Check Points

Bob's dad used a small two-seater airplane in his business. And so, when Bob was not in school he would often take trips with his father and act as his navigator. The plane didn't use many instruments.

On his knee Bob kept a large air map and would watch for markings and land marks on the map that pointed out spots on the ground below them. At one place there would be a pear-shaped lake, or a group of storage tanks, twin smoke stacks, a railroad bridge, or a river. If Bob could find these objects on the ground and check them on his map he was sure the plane was on the right course.

Bob would also check the speed the plane was going with the time, and this would tell him just about when they should be passing over one of these check points. But if one of these familiar objects failed to show up, then they would have to do some figuring to find out where they were.

Check points are important. A child should walk at a certain age. If he is slower than he should be, then his parents take him to a doctor to see what is wrong. If an eleven-year-old boy or girl acts like an eight-year-old we suspect that something is the matter, because, as we grow older we pass certain check points. We develop new skills, learn new words, and have older ideas.

A boy or a girl who can't take on added responsibilities or act his proper age becomes a problem to his or her parents, for as we grow we must take on skills and responsibilities fitting our age. In time we must shed our baby ways and act like a grownup.

As Jesus grew in wisdom and in height and in favor with God and man, may I too, dear God, grow in that way.