A Parable: Once upon a time there was a man who had a kaleidoscope. He loved it. He admired its beauty. It gave him such pleasure. And he anxiously awaited it next splendid picture.

But one day he decided that the pattern in it was the one he like best, so he stopped turning. He looked again and again. he decided that he was comfortable with this particular view. It became familiar. He chose not to dare any further adventures with his beloved kaleidoscope, and even built a heavy concrete stand to "freeze" it and keep it just the way he had it. He was happy, he thought, but eventually became miserable because he was afraid that any movement or "act of God" might ruin his "whole world," which revolved around his kaleidoscope.

As you might have guessed, the day came when it happened. Ther on the floor lay the kaleidoscope, turned, spun, changed, different. He knew it wouldn't be the same. His eyes would have to readjust. His mind forced to rethink. His heart stretched to reevaluate.

Assuming the worst, he slowly put his eye to the tiny whole and peered in. It was different, alright! But to his surprise, amazement, and delight it was even better than when it sat atop the concrete stand.

He vowed never again to "chain" the potential of his beautiful kaleidoscope. He vowed to dare to let it turn and change and "grow." He thanked God for the experience and asked for the faith to accept the new and wonderous creations, no matter how different they were from the ones before and from what he might have expected.

He was different, too, now. He wasn't afraid anymore. He was happy truly happy and he couldn't wait for tomorrow.

A meaning for all our churches: Our congregation, whichever one it is, our precious and prized congregation, is a kaleidoscope of sorts.

With every passing day, it changes. New people, new names, new personalities, new ideas, new leadership, new events, new challenges, and new opportunities.

Our temptation may be to pick any one "picture" of us and say, "I like it this way. It's just the right size. I know everybody. I like everybody. It's familiar and comfortable and safe."

But our Lord calls us to a faith that dares to turn, to spin, to change, and to grow. And He promises one very important promise: He loves us and will give us the courage to "turn the dial." He will give us eyes of faith to see his wonderful new creations to come.