When my kids were little I remember a particular season where I was never apart from them for several months. While I do not think it was particularly good for any of us, there were specific circumstances that led to it and God used that time to teach me a profound lesson.

Watching my youngest walk away to be on his own for the first time made my chest feel tight.

When you were asked to do something by your parents did they say, “If it is okay with you, I mean if you are up to it, and don’t have something else you wanted to do, you don’t have to, but maybe, possibly could you make your bed?” My guess is most of our parents were more straightforward with their requests.

“Immediately.” Who in your life has the authority to make you respond immediately? Your mom or dad? Your coach? Your boss? Immediately doesn’t leave room for pondering, or wrapping up one more thing.

In full disclosure, the Gospel of Luke has always been my favorite. He was a historian who wrote eloquently. Mark, on the other hand, wrote much more abbreviated, and fast paced, jumping from one moment to the next. Yet, here we are today, and I am noticing something that I hadn’t before, thanks to the way Mark wrote.