Saturday, March 27: Noise is Nice?

Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:48 (NRSV)

My son, Mark, is named for the author of this book of the Bible. And, if you saw his performance in the recent CUMC Children’s Choir Christmas musical, you know that he can “cry out” rather loudly.

For most of his 8 years, I have been a stern voice ordering him to be quiet—for my own sake and that of the neighbors in the apartment building.

Yet, the people who are remembered positively in the Bible had big voices and/or personalities. Was Abraham a pipsqueak? No! He boldly claimed his wife as his sister to avoid calamity (Gen 12:13). Moses? When he finally trusted God to be his voice, he brought down a kingdom (Ex 14:28)! Peter? All mouth. By the grace & love of God, he was shaped into the father of our modern faith (Mt 16:18).

My child is not disrespectful or obnoxious, but he is a child: most importantly, a child of God. It is my job as his parent to direct his energy and potential without destroying his spirit or esteem. Sometimes I have to cry out, “Son of David, have mercy on me” when the noise, schedule, or emotions of my boy seem out of control.

Then, as He did with the blind man, Jesus will say with all sincerity and love to me, “What do you want me to do for you?” It is only when I have calmed myself down in His Presence that I can truly celebrate – and see – the gift that God has given me in Mark Schiller.

Lord, You care for us more than our earthly parents ever could. Help us to always celebrate youth – especially our own “inner child.” Since You have placed a song of joy in our hearts, give us the courage to sing it back to You, loudly. Help us to appreciate each others’ songs as we journey together to our heavenly Home. Amen.

Marci B. Schiller