“Right Hand Man”; “Daddy’s Little Helper”: These are common phrases I’m sure you all have heard many times in your life. The “Right Hand Man” is a type of person that is really helpful in most situations. What makes this person special is, while they may not know a great deal about the subject matter, they are still there for support. However, the neat thing about their supportive behavior is they actually learn from the person they are helping. Eventually, they begin to take on the same characteristics.

The second one hits really close to home for me. Growing up as the son of a home-builder meant most of my childhood was spent in the role of “Daddy’s Little Helper”. Helping my father work on anything and everything is where I learned a lot about life. One of the most important things I learned from watching my dad is the fact that he did not take short cuts. By paying special attention to detail and doing things the right way, he always led us to a complete job that we could be proud of.

Looking back, I see what God was teaching me through my father. Jesus says “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”(Mt. 7:13-14 NLT). While God is concerned about which gate we go through, scripture teaches us, He is just as concerned about the path we take to get there. Even if you did not have a father growing up, you have a Heavenly Father that loves you and will teach you. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Our Holy Bible is rich with stories and lessons that can help us stay on that path together.

Friends, ever since the first sin in the Garden of Eden, it is inevitable, we are going to make mistakes. But, THE GOOD NEWS IS, WE SERVE A RISEN SAVIOR, who died to forgive us of our sins! Not only does He forgive us, He also pours out His grace to help us learn from our mistakes. Praise God for that! Will you join with me this Easter Season by making a fresh commitment to discipleship, by becoming Jesus’ “Right Hand Man/Woman” and “Daddy’s Little Helper” by joining or recommitting to Sunday School, a small group study, or even one of our Wednesday night classes like “Sons of Thunder” or “Daughters of Light”? You will be really glad you did! Also, thanks again for the warm reception offered to our family as we impart on a new journey here at Forest Lake UMC. And may God continue to bless this loving church!

In Christ with Love,
Eric Hollingsworth