"Are you sure you want to climb this rock? It looks pretty steep."
"Yes daddy. I want to see what's on the other side."
"O.K. then." I took my little boy by the hand, and stepped forward. He didn't seem to pay me any mind. The red sandstone rock sloped steeply upward about 20 feet. Even I'd have to be careful to not lose my footing.
Little Brycen's feet slipped immediately. He began pawing and lunging making little headway. I steadily kept him erect and safe from falling, and lead him slowly upward. Soon he began breathing harder, and struggled more fervently as we neared the top.
At last we took the last step and stood proudly on the flat ledge above. It was at that moment, his words penetrated my heart. They haven't dimmed for twenty years.
"I did it daddy, I did it!"
"You sure did, my boy." But the meaning of what he said was already working it's magnificence on my soul. Don't we all wish to exclaim to God our Father, "I did it!" And then hear him say, well done thou good and faithful servant, enter in to my rest.
But, in reality, none of us can do it. We all fall short, hence we need a Savior--the good tidings of great joy which is for all of us! His gift, his grace--the divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ; the enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation. I, for that moment, played the role of Jesus Christ.
And Brycen, he did his role. He, in the spiritual sense, exercised faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, he did his best to repent of his sins, keep the commandments, and he never gave up. Spiritually, he stood before the Lord, having done all he could do, and...Jesus was there. Together, by his grace, they did it!
Since I was a little boy I loved to write. I had different feelings and questions than my friends--a different outlook on life. I wasn't sure if I was weird or just different. I entered an essay contest at age 10, a nation-wide one, and got second place...
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