Stamped on Every Child’s Heart: Impulsive Behavior

Do you know an impulsive child? One who is full of exaggerations, quick to respond, careless with words, and acts without thinking. Do you have a child who gets out of his seat regularly while he's not suppose to, interrupts conversations, or jumps to the front of the line uninvited? Impulsiveness is the quick, natural response for these kids. They might do all these things and more (keep in mind, they generally do them rapidly). Nevertheless in the very same breathe, impulsive kids can be quick to defend, remorseful for poor decisions, and able to leap over obstacles in a single bound. There's a gift for us to discover in impulsiveness. The disciple, Peter, emulates both the strengths and weaknesses of impulsive behavior. Impulsiveness had Peter rushing into the water to meet Jesus, while also quickly cutting off a soldier's ear. He was quick to defend, responded without thinking, and passionate beyond words. His impulsiveness allowed him to experience the miracle of walking on water, while everyone else watched him from inside the boat. The beauty of Peter's impulsiveness is displayed within his life. Peter's impulsiveness allowed him to experience close encounters with God. He's authentic and real. He's growing and he's a challenge. But in the end, he's solid, and the guy others wanted to follow. Discovering the gift of impulsiveness begins in the life of Peter.