One day, while watching an old Andy Griffith episode my 6-year-old grandson piped up with a question. “Why don’t they want that man to sing, Nonna? He sings real good!” That man was Rafe Hollister who, with his golden singing voice, had entered, and won, the singing contest held by the local Ladies’ Society.
But the snooty president of the ladies’ society, Mrs. Jeffries, didn’t want Mr. Hollister to sing at their musicale. She felt that the uncouth, shabbily dressed farmer would embarrass them all. So Mr. Stoner, the pompous mayor of Mayberry, put sherriff Andy Taylor in charge of keeping Rafe from disgracing the town.
For those unfamiliar with The Andy Griffith Show, it is an American television series that first aired in the 1960s. The show revolves around Andy Taylor, the sheriff of the sleepy, slow-paced fictional community of Mayberry, North Carolina. At home, widower Andy faces the challenges of raising his young son Opie. And dealing with the ill-advised romances and adventures of his maiden aunt and housekeeper, Aunt Bee.
Andy’s laid-back, quiet approach to his job makes him a target for local bootleggers and out-of-town criminals. But his ability to solve community problems with common sense makes him popular with the townspeople. His life is further complicated by eccentric townspeople, various girlfriends and bumbling friends. And most of all by his well-meaning but inept deputy, Barney Fife, and his repeated blunders.
Anyway, at this point in the episode my 4-year-old granddaughter added, “Yeah, he sings better than that other guy,” (Deputy Barnie Fife). So I explained that they didn’t like the way Mr. Hollister looked. Which led to an interesting conversation.
GRANDSON: What’s wrong with him? He looks all right to me!
ME: Well, they don’t like the way he’s dressed.
GRANDDAUGHTER: He looks fine to me. He’s just dressed like a farmer.
GRANDSON: And he could always change his clothes.
ME: That’s true. He could do that…
Through the eyes of a child
It’s no wonder that Christ says that we must become like little children to enter his kingdom.
He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:2-4
We need a heart like that of a little child. We need to see as they see. And not like the Mayor and Mrs. Jeffries, or even me sometimes! Because sadly, my thoughts had been along the same lines as those of the mayor and the snooty Mrs. Jeffries. “How could they let someone as unkempt as Rafe Hollister get up there to sing?”
Meanwhile, police deputy Barney Fife had already cast himself as the winner. And he strutted into to the Musicale auditions, convinced he would win first place.
But humble Rafe Hollister only entered because Sheriff Andy Taylor had convinced him to try. “Do you really think I have a chance?” he asked in amazement.
In the end, Barney embarrassed himself with his off-key singing. While humble Rafe Hollister, with his truly gifted voice, won first place! Listen to Rafe and Barney sing (below) and you’ll see why Rafe won!
My attitude adjustment
My grandchildren gave me an attitude adjustment that day. They helped me see why Christ says that if we want to enter His kingdom we must become like little children.
Instead of judging by appearances children often look beyond, at the heart of the person. And they see with eyes of love and acceptance, just as Jesus does.
My prayer today is that the Lord will give me such a heart. And not like the snooty mayor and Mrs. Jeffries!
Preconceived notions are locks on the door to wisdom.
Mary Browne
📷 Image credits: girl; the Andy Griffith show © Paramount Pictures, used under fair use standards.
We watched that show often. It always had good teaching moments.
Yes, it dic Donna. I don’t know if there are any shows like that any more. But it was a good one!
My husband and I learned to return to play from our grandson. My grandson also taught me how to stop and focus on the simple things and delight in them. Thank you, Sheila, for this reminder. May your grandchildren continue to bless you. Karen
Thanks Karen. Grandchildren are a special blessing for sure. This is an episode from when they were smaller. And unfortunately (for us at least) they’re all living in the states now. Long distance just isn’t the same. I’m happy for you that you have grandkids closer to you!
“Out of the mouths of babes” sometimes comes the most mature wisdom! God bless your grandson, Sheila, and may his wisdom increase as he grows.
Thanks Nancy. This is from when they were smaller. But i can say that Luca has definitely grown in wisdom!!
Thank you. Good for pondering; reflecting on just where we are in our sizing up others and it is pleasure to hear of your Grands. Thank you for sharing with us.
Glad you enjoyed it, Kathie. This episode is from when they were smaller and still lived in Italy. All our family is back in the states now. But I sure learned a good lesson from them that day!!
Reading this again I’m reminded of how often I judge by what I think I see rather than what I know I understand to be true. A wonderful reminder to remember what really matters–not appearances but the posture of the heart.
Don’t kids usually have the best questions because they aren’t afraid to ask them! Thanks, Sheila for the delightful post.
Isn’t that the truth, Pete! And they also come out with the craziest things!!
I love the innocence kids remind us we need to have in our heart. Thanks for sharing ! :)
I know TR, and I sure needed that reminder! I pray the Lord will help me see through the eyes of a child!!
Yes, amen!
“Out of the mouth of babes”. Lord, give me such a heart as well.
Amen!
This post is delightful and a great reminder! Thank you.
Thanks Doris. It was to me too. And the simple wisdom of children can often teach us so much!!
Your grands got it right–and seeing through the eyes of a child can free us up in so many ways in our walk with Jesus. No assumptions, no expectations, no hesitations. Listened to the clip–my word, what a lovely voice.
Yes Dayle, our grands have so much to teach us. I’m glad we got to spend a lot of quality time with our daughter’s kids before they moved to the USA. Miss them and their simple wisdom. And yes, he does have quite the voice!