I was reminded of a preachers story tonight when I tucked Kade in.  It goes like this:

A father lovingly tucked in his five year old daughter after what had been a long and tiring day.  She wanted a little more time and energy than he had left and so the bed time ritual was cut a little short.

As he walked out the door and began to ready himself for bed his little girl called out, “Daddy, I’m scared – can you come back in”.  

He turned, reminding himself to be patient as he re-entered her room.  “I’m here honey, there’s no need to be afraid.  God is here with you, he will keep you safe.” 

“I know Daddy”, said the little girl, “but sometimes you just need someone with skin on”

If you’re a Christ following parent you get it.  God gave mom’s and dad’s to little boys and girls to be his skin.  To train them up in the way they should go – to show them who He is and how He loves them.

What I sometimes forget is that it’s not just enough to be God’s skin to my kids.  You see I’m also a part of another family – the family of God.  More specifically, the church, and God’s plan for my life is much more than just being a Godly father, although that is a great calling.

The Christian life is about being God’s skin for a lost and dieing world.  A world that runs itself ragged chasing the enemies lie and winds up scared and doubting God because the church is like most Daddy’s – too tired or too busy to be bothered with God’s call.

I’m afraid that all too often I’m too tired or too busy to be bothered with being skin for God.

My boy needed me to be God’s skin tonight.

This world needs us to be God’s skin tonight.

For both of them – there’s no plan b.

God is good – Josh