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At 18 Jethro went to work for a man who made parts in his tiny shop.  Now the man let Jethro know that his duties would be small and limited.  Jethro agreed this was good.  What did he know about making parts anyway?  The few things he did know he had learned from his dad and mom.  He had learned things like, sweeping, taking out the garbage, dusting, putting things back where you found them (provided that those things were where they were supposed to be when you found them).  But making parts?  Even dad and mom had never seen anything like this “Massive” shop!  Wow!

During the first hour or two, Jethro did what he was told.  Then the man stepped out a moment.  Well!  He’s only 18.  Jethro spied a shiny cylinder on a shelf.  “Its got some dust on it.”  So he allowed his fumbling fingers to lift it from its mount.  But the dust was a secondary consideration now.  Turning the item over and over, Jethro was admiring the part.  Then, as could be expected, Jethro dropped it.

Panic just is not a good word to describe what when through his little body.  He became a test tube of emotions.  As if he were mounted over a bunsen burner, panic mixed with fear, regret, hopelessness, and adrenalin.  He picked it up and examined the item, all the while keeping his tear fuzzed eye on the door.  “It’s just a tiny little dent.”  So he replaced it to its mount and shakily went about sweeping like a mad man.

The man came back in and went straight to the shelf.  Those old eyes went straight to the cylinder!  “I see ya couldn’t keep your hands to your own body”, a soft voice said.  Then he turned and looked right into Jethro’s eyes.  “It’s ok son.  Just keep sweeping.”  The man turned away after a wink and smile.  And whistling, went about his work.  Stunned, Jethro was frozen.  He had expected a stern word, a scolding, perhaps even being fired.  But this!

What lesson has the boy learned?  Isn’t it this way between us and the Mighty Lord Jesus?  We are set to a task, for the sake of His Holy name.  And we just can’t seem to keep our hands to ourselves.  Yet, do any of us ever hear a long lecture from Him?  Does He throw us away because we’re stupid little kids?

I write this story for the sake of the joy that is within me for the salvation Jesus is bringing to me.  I give Him all Glory for His patient ways.  And I witness that He is able to bring all His people to a place reserved for those who love Him!