Message from Sharon Leary, West Campus 2nd Grade Teacher

There was a man who had dreamed of going on a cruise. He had this desire for many years. As a young boy, he watched the ships from a distance and purposed in his heart that someday he would be the one on the ship. When he shared his dream with others, they laughed at him, saying cruises were not for people like him; they were for the fancy, rich people. Determined not to lose hope, the young man kept his dream alive in his heart. For many years, the man planned and saved, and finally, he had just enough money to purchase his ticket. It cost everything he had, but he knew it was worth it. Now his dream would be fulfilled. With anticipation and joy, the man carefully packed his bag.


When the day of his departure arrived, he headed to the docks, filled with excitement. As the man boarded the ship, he realized how big it was up close! He looked at the marvelous grandeur around him and marveled that he was actually on the ship that he had dreamed about as a child. Upon entering the grand foyer, the captain shook his hand in a warm greeting. All the years of scrimping and saving . . . and now here he was. The man experienced a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Every morning the man went out to the deck to breathe in the fresh sea air. He watched the children running and laughing, enjoying the happy looks on their faces. He saw couples strolling hand in hand and thought that maybe someday that would be him and his love. He lounged on the deck, feeling the gentle breeze on his face. As the man explored the ship each day, he saw tables laden with delicious food and other delicacies . . . more food than anyone could ever eat. Then, as he had each day since he had arrived, he went back to his room to eat the peanut butter and crackers he had so carefully packed. He refused to feel envy or pity, but reminded himself just being on the cruise was a great accomplishment for him.

In the evenings, the man watched as the other passengers, decked out in their best clothing, headed to the fancy dinners, shows, and other nighttime entertainment. One day he would join them in the festivities . . . Then, the man would head back to his cabin and enjoy the solitude, eating his peanut butter and crackers once again. He spent much of the cruise doing the same thing, still feeling satisfied and thankful, but with a growing desire in his heart for more.

On the last day, the man packed up his few belongings and headed up to see the ship dock. As he was about to depart, there was the captain, smiling and shaking hands, saying his last goodbyes to the passengers. When he saw the man, he said to him, “Sir, I’ve been looking for you. I was hoping to see you on Captain’s Night. I had reserved a place for you at my table. I thought maybe I’d catch a glimpse of you enjoying one of the shows or singing in the karaoke lounge. Then there was the midnight buffet and the other exciting activities . . . Where were you?”

A little embarrassed, the man replied, “I had saved only enough money to purchase my ticket on the cruise. I had nothing left for the extra things. But I am hoping to do all of that someday.”

With a sad look in his eyes, the captain replied, “Sir, I’m so sorry. Did you not know that your ticket entitled you to everything on the ship? The dinners, the shows, the activities . . . it was all available to you.”

How sad it must be for the King of Glory to see His children missing out on so many of His benefits, especially when they came at so high a price. I pray that we will live like children of the King in the Kingdom of God and not settle for the crumbs of the world. I pray that we will walk in the power and authority we have been given as believers. We are BLESSED!!!

John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Psalm 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! Selah

Psalm 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:

Psalm 116:12 What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me?