Ask our family just about any question pertaining to the Andy Griffith show, and I’ll be embarrassed to admit how much we know. Our Andy Griffith Trivia Game is played with alacrity. We simply know way too much.

We own all eight seasons and love the nuances of each. Floyd, Thelma Lou, Gomer and cousin Goober are our buds. And how can we begin to talk of Barney Fife? (Our favorite scene is his skilled rendition of the Preamble to the Constitution. What a fun thing to watch on Independence Day of all days.)

But the dearest of all characters is Andy himself. Why? Because he is the glue that holds all the other characters together, and he is the actor that makes every other actor look good. While Don Knotts won five Emmys for his role as Barney, Andy never won one.

So my little take away from my Mayberry friend’s life is this: I hope I can be more like him in this regard – drawing out what is delightful about the people in my life and watching and rejoicing when they win their awards.

Jesus,

John the Baptist was your cousin and your friend, and he said such a profound thing: “He must increase, I must decrease.” Please make that my motto today and everyday. Help me to place You and others in the spotlight, and help me to continually slip backstage further and further.

Amen