Comparison is a fact of life. It is the means by which we determine value, put things in their proper order, give emphasis and meaning to priorities. The person who makes good choices is thought to be wise. And with good reason–he’s using his abilities for good. The person who operates purely on instinct, conversely, is not always wise. He will often fail, for his choices are based on shallow reasoning.

I am a morning person. I’m usually the first one up in my house, and my early routine consists of a cup of hot coffee, the crossword puzzle from the Houston Chronicle, and watching the world come to life from my front porch. And I especially enjoy this scene during this time of year.

My five-year-old daughter had quickly cleaned her plate and was reaching for another biscuit. Someone at the table remarked, “Wow, you must be going through a growth spurt!” Abi Kate quickly put down the biscuit and put her hands at her side. Her grandmother asked her what was wrong. She replied, “I don’t want to spurt.”

It is amazing how much of religion in general has left the Bible. Catholicism bears little resemblance to the Bible anymore, nor does Denom-inationalism. In fact, some of the congregations who wear the name “Church of Christ” are quickly abdicating biblical principles in preference for what the people want instead of what the Bible says.

I was sitting in the recliner reading the paper. David was on the living room rug playing with his new set of Legos. Wanting to show me what he built, he said, “Dad, look!” Without taking my eyes off the Sports section, I said, “That’s neat.” A seven-year-old is neither satisfied nor fooled by such a hollow effort. So he took it up a notch. “Dad, behold!”