Smell this

Although I didn’t have a difficult time falling asleep last night, I sure woke up several times throughout the night and my brain would NOT rest. There’s a lot going on in the world and my personal life right now, however, all of that didn’t consume my thoughts this time.

I am an IA in a preschool, and I couldn’t stop thinking about what happened with a particular student. It’s his second year there and he will be old enough to go to kindergarten next year. You would need to see him in person to truly appreciate this story, however, I believe you’ll get my point.

The students had their shoes off during rest time. It was time to go outside for recess, so they were all putting their nap time things away after putting back on their shoes.

This one particular student was still sitting on the floor, trying to get one of his shoes on. He walked up to me with something in his hand. It was a very thin, slippery shoe insert that had fallen out of his shoe. When he brought it up to me, he said, “Mrs. Knapp, smell my insert!” I smiled (and thought ‘no thank you!’) while I helped him tuck it back in his shoe. Wouldn’t you know — It slipped right back out as soon as he tilted his shoe. Once again, he grabbed it and held it out for me to smell. It was like he was on a mission. His eyes were wide open and the excitement in his voice was similar to someone trying to get you to try a bite of something delicious! No exaggeration. He finally added, “It smells just like, like…” and then pointed to a Mod Podge container.

Ohhhh, now that he had explained that it wasn’t like a sweaty, horrible, yucky shoe odor that would cause me to throw up– I was willing to try. Ha. And, he was right. The thing is, this is the second time he has talked me into doing something that I wouldn’t ordinarily do. This kid never gives up.

It hit me last night that he has a gift, and I’m praying that he’ll use it one day to get people interested in and excited about Jesus. He most certainly knows how to capture someone’s attention an then gives them a reason (or several) why they should listen to him.

I can just hear him now. Listen! You need to learn about Jesus! He’s like, like… and he will use something that you can relate to so that you can begin to understand exactly who Jesus is and why you need Him.

If you know Jesus, I pray you will catch this little guy’s excitement and be passionate about telling others just how good our Savior is. It makes such a difference when someone presents the Gospel or gives an invitation to church by repeating words they’ve been programmed to say — or if it’s coming from their heart!

What is Jesus like to you? How do you know He’s here? What is His love like? How has He given you grace? Why do you love Him so? Let’s pass the word so others will know! Let’s not give up! Reach out your hand and tell someone about Jesus today.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes; first to the Jews, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16