There was a terrific Disney musical, circa 1967, starring Fred MacMurray and a very young Lesley Ann Warren called The Happiest Millionaire. MacMurray who plays Anthony Drexel Biddle is quite a character, who among other things keeps alligators in the family's mansion, as pets. At one point, irritated that no family is around to console him after he is bitten by one of the alligators, he says (actually sings), "I've been bit on my finger, it could've been my leg. It could have been my head, I might have died." I call this, "What if?" mentality. I was really only bitten on the finger, but what if it had been my head? I just slammed on my brakes to avoid hitting that car. What if the other car had not sped up when they did? I might have hit them. What if that bill can't be paid? What if my child gets sicker? What if I'm the only one who "what ifs" all the time? As my relationship with Christ has strengthened I have noticed that the "what ifs" lessen because His "what ifs" are all for our good.
It is my prayer that as parents we will begin to change the "what if" question for our children. MOTH is the eternal optimist. I affectionately call him Pollyanna because he "what ifs" but his "what ifs" are different than most people's. What if we could give to this charity? What if this child has his own Christian band someday? What if that person really meant that remark in a kind, loving way? His "what ifs" are dreams and hopes he has for his family, his business, and the world. What if we taught our children to "what if" to the stars? The ability to imagine a world in which they can accomplish anything and can dream big is a great gift. God wants that for us. So the question I have for you today is, "What if?"
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