Blue Jean Baby….

The little old man came to live with us almost a year and a half ago. His most adored and prized possession also made the move, his Harley motorcycle. He named her his Blue Jean Baby. His relationship with this bike remains his longest and most cherished. My husband ordered a new battery and for the first time in seven years the Blue Jean Baby revved it’s engine.

As I sit here watching my husband engage with his father over that bike, it makes me sad. You see, his father traded a relationship with him to run the roads and pursue the world of gambling. In that pursuit, he gambled knowing his extraordinary son.

Now, at the age of 69, he finds himself living with his son being cared for, guided and protected by him. He has sustained strokes, making relationship more difficult at this stage of his life. Oh and the motorcycle? Well, he hasn’t been able to ride it for years now. It is simply an item collecting rust and dust. No, the picture unfolding in front of me is anything less than endearing. How many times in life do we place things in front of people? How many times do we try and fill our deep need for God with things that leave us empty? And how many times do we wander through our lives avoiding what God has in store, missing rich blessings along the way?

The Blue Jean Baby reminds me that things should never replace relationships. More imporantly, things should never be placed before our Father in heaven. When we get our priorities out of line, we remain God’s priority. He sent His Son, Jesus so that grace and hope remain front and center. And lets be honest, God does some of His best work when the prodigal son comes home! Because of Christ, the sadness of the scene is replaced with love and hope. My husband has clear priorities. He loves the Lord with all his heart, soul and strength, which is why the little old man is here. And God? Well, God sees them both. And loves them. And He sees and loves you too!

Be joyful and prioritize!

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:11‭, ‬22‭-‬24 NIV