Twinkies and Root Beer

Twinkies and Root Beer

The New Testament uses the term “friend” (philos) in two ways. The normal usage of this word is illustrated in the account of the prodigal son. See Luke 15:29 where the word friends is used here in the normal sense of special or trusted companionship. To better understand the point of the story I’m about to reveal I prefer to use Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary’s definition. “Of, relating to, or befitting a friend as: showing kindly interest and good will, not hostile, inclined to favor, cheerful and comforting.”

The story I am about to share was given to me sometime at least a year ago. A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pact of Root Beer and started his journey. When he had gone about three blocks, he met an elderly man. The man was sitting in the park just feeding some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the man looked hungry, so he offered him a Twinkie. The man gratefully accepted it and smiled at the boy. His smile was so pleasant that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer. Again the man smiled at him, the boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.

As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps; he turned around, ran back to the man, and gave him a hug. The man gave him the biggest smile ever.

When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later; his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, “What did you do today that made you so happy?” He replied, “I had lunch with God.” But before his mother could respond, he asked, “You know what? God’s got the most beautiful smile I ever seen!”

Meanwhile, the elderly man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and asked, “Dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?” He replied, “I ate Twinkies in the park with God.” However, before his son responded, he added, “You know, he’s much younger than I expected.” (The source and author are unknown).

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Embrace all equally! -- Dr. Henry Lutz is a retired pastor and a friend of the ministry of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 29; Jeremiah 18-19; 2 Timothy 3

Great Quote: God's Word will never pass away, but looking back to the Old Testament and since the time of Christ, with tears we must say that because of lack of fortitude and faithfulness on the part of God's people, God's Word has many times been allowed to be bent, to conform to the surrounding, passing, changing culture of that moment rather than to stand as the inerrant Word of God judging the form of the world spirit and the surrounding culture of that moment. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, may our children and grandchildren not say that such can be said about us. Francis A. Schaeffer

Check out this week's Stewardship Insight from George: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/