Devotionals

Learned Lessons

by Anne Adams
08/09/26
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“There you go, honey,” Sheila told little Freddie as she finished cutting his hamburger in half. He then proceeded to cram part of it into his mouth.

With that done, Sheila relaxed a bit as she glanced around the restaurant and then at her husband Dan.  It was so nice, she thought, that we can go out as a family – and also, that I don’t have to cook! After all, she told herself, they were together as a family which was a rare experience since they were both so busy.

Then as Sheila was about to pick up her fork suddenly Freddie, still chomping on his burger, reached an arm across the table, squirming as he did so.

“Mump umn Kmpfhu… “He said.

“Freddie, don’t talk with your mouth full.” Sheila told him.

“He says he wants some ketchup.” Dan said as he picked up the bottle, and Freddie nodded vigorously, Dan leaned over to slather the condiment on the burger. The boy resumed his chomping.

Then just as Dan lifted his own fork he felt a gentle touch on his arm. He turned and saw the lady at the next table who spoke softly and hesitantly. “I’m sorry to bother you, but I wonder if you can help me.” Dan turned with an expectant smile. She continued. I couldn’t help but notice how you seemed to know that your little boy wanted the ketchup even though he couldn’t say it. It just sounded like gibberish of course but you seemed to know what he was saying. Maybe it was just because he’s your son?”

Dan smiled a bit at her. “No, ma’am, it’s really very simple. I’ve had to learn to understand when someone speaks when their mouth is full. You see, I’m a dentist.”

Obviously as he demonstrated, Dan had learned to do something from a personal experience and we can use the same concept on our spiritual journey.  And for us this might occur when as we serve God and we have an experience we can learn from. Then with that lesson we can not only continue to serve the Lord better but we also can use those lessons to assist others. Especially if they’ve struggled in the same way we might have.  After all, if you’re having a specific challenge then who do you ask about solutions? Someone who’s undergone the problem or someone who has not?

Maybe you’ve overcome something with God’s help and provision? If so, then your words or example may well be the inspiring example that assists someone else. In short, it’s using our personal experiences for his glory and our benefit.