March 28 – “Searching for a super power”

Ah, young Josiah.  The three-year-old marvel of a grandson who is convinced beyond any doubt that he is truly the Incredible Hulk.  No, really.  He believes it, even to the extent of refusing to cry when he gets hurt, pushing away meager attempts at easing pain like ice packs, and sometimes even laughing in the face of offers of Tylenol.  The Hulk would never take such paltry pain relievers.  He is, after all, well, The Hulk.

The other day we received a text message from the mother of this Hulk.  It contained a photo and a brief message.  It seems that Hulk Josiah had been experimenting, seeking a new super power to go with his Hulk-ness.  What could it be?  So many possibilities.  Flying, perhaps?  He had already do ne some preliminary testing of that one on the mini-trampoline with less than hopeful results.  Super-speed, maybe?  That one would be difficult for a little guy such short legs who has to compete with two older brothers who always seem to have a major advantage over him in the speed department.  As he rode around on his bicycle pondering the situation, one more idea popped into his mind:

“Super vision.  The possibilities are endless.  Let’s see.  Superman has x-ray vision that can see through things (except lead, of course), telescopic vision that see long distances, microscopic vision for investigating the most minute of clues.  Hmm.  What would it be like if I could see even when I’m asleep?  That would make it possible to get so much more playing done.  How hard could it be?  Why, I think I’ll just test it out right now.” 

And with that he closed his eyes.  Now let me refresh your memory for just a moment.  Let’s see.  As I scroll back up the post I’ll find it.  There it is … “As he rode around on his bicycle pondering the situation …”  Yep.  You guessed it.  He found himself riding his bicycle with his eyes closed.  And … yep.  You guessed it.  That wasn’t his other super power.  Oh, he managed to stay up right on his bike.  But alas, without the assistance of that potential new power, he rode his bike right into the crossbar of the ramp in the parking lot.  Smash.  Even the Incredible Hulk wept on this one.  Just a little bit.  Even the Incredible Hulk accepted an ice pack.  For just a few minutes.  And even the Incredible Hulk took some Tylenol.  Just this once.  Oh, and one final result … Hulk Jr. now has quite a shiner.  He’s such a … boy.

Psalms 139:13-14 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Father, thank you for the incredible “super power” you gave us – the privilege of being in your family and access to the wonders of the Holy Spirit.  It’s enough.  Amen.