From Ages Three to Thirty

On the fourth evening Philip, who was spending a lot of time with Joseph and his family, was asked to share who he is and where he sees himself in the future. "I'm hoping to be a tentmaker. I finished my apprenticeship about four years ago. I'm working with my Father and I've saved some money. My thinking is that tents don't last forever and sooner or later everyone will need another one. Therefore I hope to provide a good living when I have a family." "What kind of man do you see yourself?" asked Joseph. "Wow! That's a heavy question. I've never really thought about it. Let's see. I am a Jew and I love Father God with all my heart. My thoughts are always that whatever I do I want Him to be pleased with me. I'm honest. That sounds like I'm perfect but far from it. For one thing I'm kind of messy. I try to remember to clean up after myself but that isn't very often. My work, my family, and my friends are also very important to me. Right next to Father God." said Philip. "I'm fussy about how I make tents. They have to be good enough that I would live in them. It makes my Father proud and it makes me feel good. I eat everything put in front of me. I love children. Regardless of their ages you can teach them something. And that makes me feel good. I like playing ball and racing. I'm not really good at either one but I'm probably in the middle somewhere. Is that enough for now?" finished Philip. Joseph and Mary looked at each other, smiled, and nodded. It had been quite a night. Joseph offered the closing prayer and everyone stood to go to their tents. In just a couple of days they'd be in Jerusalem. The journey to and the celebrations in Jerusalem were basically uneventful. A few broken wheels, a broken arm, bruises, headaches, but nothing out of the ordinary. Soon the celebrations were over and they were on their way home. It felt good to be home. It always did. What is it about home that makes people feel so comfortable? The men went back to work and the women and children unpacked. That evening they held a town dinner and invited the four Greek men who had guarded the city while they were away to eat with them. One of the Greek men sat with Joseph and his family. About half way through the meal 11 year old Simon asked the man. "Do you know our Father God?" "I don't know. What's His name?" "His name is in our hearts. It's so holy that we cannot speak it." "Tell me more about this God." said the Greek smiling at this young boy. "Well He is the one true God. He's the God of love. He gave us laws that we must obey and He's always with us." answered Simon. The Greek man looked to Joseph as if asking permission. Joseph nodded as if to say "Go ahead." "We have many gods and each one has a special thing they do for us. One god leads us in war, another rules the moon and the stars. Another god rules the weather and another god gives good health or bad health." explained the Greek man. "But our one Father God does all of that and more. He loves us and He forgives us when we do something wrong and we're sorry. I don't think I would want to live with a lot of gods. What if they don't agree? What if one says the sun will be out today and the other says it will rain? Won't they fight and that will cause a mess for everyone?" asked Simon. "I guess I never thought about that. We're just taught that this is the way it is and this is what we should believe." said the Greek man. "I think you should love our Father God. You would have a better life if you followed Him." stated Simon. "Hmmmm. How would I know which is right? Is the way I live right or is your One God right? How would I know?" asked the Greek man. "Just ask Him. Tell Him you heard about Him and ask Him if He is the true God. He'll let you know." "How? Will He just talk to me and say "I'm real"?" asked the Greek man. "Kind of. It's like ..... you just know. One day you'll be doing your work and you'll just know. Like that!" explained Simon. "Just like that!?! Well young Simon I just may do that some day!" "Thank you. I will pray for you that you find the truth. May I call you my friend?" asked Simon. "I would be honored my young friend. Now we have a contract. We are friends! Let's shake hands on it." said the Greek man. "May we also share a man hug?" asked Simon as he rose to hug the Greek man. This hug will be remembered in the years to come.