"You're a baby!"

The church of which I am now pastor has about 30 members living in a United Methodist retirement community, The Oaks. I had the privilege yesteday of visiting the six who are in the nursing center, introducing myself to five of them for the first time. I enjoy talking with people who are decades older and wiser than I am.

One of the ladies I met yesterday asked me how old I was, after confirming with a disbelieving voice that I am, indeed, the new PASTOR of the church. I told her the truth: I'll turn 34 years old this year.

Her reply: "Well, you're just a baby. A baby."

My response: "Yes, ma'am. I suppose I am."

Her again: "Yep. You're just a baby."

I suppose I may have been offended if I didn't believe that we're all always babies in comparison to our Lord, and that we all need to be reminded of that from time to time. I think we all get into a little trouble when we think we're "all grown up" in the faith and all wise. It's like I Peter 2:2 says:

Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved. (TEV).

So thanks, Mrs. T., for the reminder!