Posted by admin on Mar 5, 2010 in
Uncategorized 
Getting to know my 8 year old son from Ethiopia, Yakobe, was a bit slow at first. The language barrier coupled with Ethiopian cultural rules (children not looking at adults out of respect) made it tough. After several months though, I noticed some distinctive character traits. Yakobe is very smart. Yakobe has a desire to please others. Yakobe is kind. AND, Yakobe likes bright, bold, different things. Word soon got out that Yakobe wanted “big hair”.
Yakobe has a gift in playing soccer. Last summer in our local sports store, he spotted some bright orange soccer cleats. His eyes lit up. We told him he had soccer cleats that fit. We explained the difference between a need and a want. He accepted “No” for an answer. Every once in awhile though, usually before bed, Yakobe would ask politely about the orange cleats. Any time there was a trip to the sports store, he would check to see if they were still there. I kinda struggled with the orange cleats. I mean his soccer team is maroon and gold. They don’t match! And, does Yakobe just want attention drawn to himself? I didn’t want to encourage that.
In January, Yakobe asked Jesus to be Lord of his life. Mark and I wanted him to remember what an important decision this was. We decided to get him the orange soccer cleats. Yakobe never had a pair of new cleats before. In Ethiopia, many children don’t even have shoes. Yakobe took great care even with the box they came in. I can imagine him thinking, “No one has ever worn these before except me.”
Shortly after this, I studied the parable of the prodigal son. The father welcomed his lost son by running to him and gave him three things: new clothes - representing family honor, a ring - symbolizing family authority AND a pair of new shoes - the symbol of family membership.
I’m so glad we got Yakobe bright orange soccer cleats. Yakobe was welcomed into God’s family that day. I pray he is noticed - for his family identity with Christ. I pray he is bold and loud and doesn’t match the world. I pray he treasures God’s gift of family membership as much as he treasures the shoes. I pray Yakobe and all my children help others receive shoes of membership in God’s awesome family.
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news” Isaiah 52:7
