Glen Packiam wrote a devotional for the October 5 Our Daily Bread in which he recalls being asked as a child, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” His answer would often change. At various times he wanted to be a doctor, a firefighter, a missionary, a worship leader, or a physicist. At one point he even wanted to be MacGyver, his favorite television character.
Packiam now has four children of his own. As a parent his perspective is quite different from when he was a child. He sometimes reflects on the fact that it can be difficult for his children when they are asked about their future job plans. The dad observes, “There are times when I want to say, ‘I know what you’ll be great at!’” Parents frequently see more in their children than the youngsters see in themselves.
We sometimes see untapped potential in our children, friends and co-workers. The Apostle Paul was blessed by the believers in Philippi and told them he thanked God every time he thought about them. (Philippians 1:3) He saw great promise in them and prayed for them.
More than 15 years ago I asked my friend Cindy to consider teaching a class each Sunday. She was certain she could not, but agreed to try. The class was blessed by her love and encouragement and it became a wonderful source of fulfillment to her as well. On numerous occasions Cindy has thanked me for seeing potential in her that she had not seen in herself.
