Lessons from Barney the Purple Dinosaur

Enroute to Church this evening, I overheard something that caught my attention for a few moments. I was taking the bus as usual and was about to alight near Church when a young boy sang a song to his mother. If you are between the ages of 3 - 10, or even if you're young at heart, you might know this song:

"I love you, you love me, we're a happy family,
and with a great big hug and a kiss from me to you,
won't you say you love me too?"

Now what was interesting was not the song, but the slight blunder in the way the kid sang his version. It went something like:

"You love me, I love you,
You love me, And I love you,
Hahaha! You love me, I love you..."

Well, he did not progress past the first 2 lines, but one thing he was sure of was his happiness as he sang it to his mother. Were we similarly happy in that fashion when we were younger? If so, are we still able to feel the same kind of joy today? Or have the complexities that often accompany growing up, clouded our minds and hearts? Perhaps the rat-race has made us scurrying creatures, so much so that we just hurtle along with all that hustle and bustle, not bothering to show greater love to people around us.

Let's take a breather every once in a while. To me, the supposed syntax error made by the kid served to be a timely reminder. Today we love Christ not because we are in good health, or have a good job that brings wealth, a happy family, close and understanding friends or even because we're maintaining a constant spirituality with God. They may be reasons why we give thanks to Him, because in all truth, all blessings come from Him. Yet, the Bible is unwaveringly plenary in its explanation.

Yes, we love Him, because He first loved us. - 1 John 4 : 19

It is that simple. The love of God covers all aspects. This is the grace of His love that He mercifully pours out unto us, filling our hearts to the measure He has prepared for each of us.
He died for us first, in order to show us that He would give Himself as a full sacrifice, a sacrifice born out of love.

Barney's ''Love Song" has a worthy lesson for us. We should love each other with the Love of Christ and greet each other with a Holy Kiss.

'And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.' - Ephesians 5 : 2

Cycle of Success

At 4, success is not peeing in your pants.
At 12, success is having friends.
At 18, success is having a driver's license.
At 35, success is having money.
At 50, success is having money.
At 70, success is having a driver's license.
At 75, success is having friends.
At 80, success is not peeing in your pants.


How very true. I think it is rather amusing. :)