An Almost 6 Year Old Disciple For Christ

Beautiful smiles all the way into their identical, brilliant, brown eyes. Lis and I went to SF today to get reprints of the last picture of her and her daddy. This precious picture was taken of them at the ice skating rink in January. The odd thing is we didn't go with them to the rink, Ry was taking pics on his phone which he broke and there was no sd card. So the million dollar question is where did this now-so-important-to-us picture come from. Lis attached a #1 Dad ribbon to it that she got on Father's Day at church. So off we went to make a bazillion copies so we can share them with everyone and so we never accidentally lose this important treasure.

His eyes and her eyes are fully content in this frame. Just spending time with each other is the greatest and it is evident in both their so similar eyes.

Lis felt the need to share her loss with the guy at Walgreens who helped us copy the picture, and the lady sweeping the floors at KFC, who by the way lost her daughter a decade ago and is still grieving. Both of their reactions were the same to this adorable almost 6 year old. Tears filled their eyes as compassion gripped their hearts and they  both gave her a quick, ok even though I am a stranger hug. She is a witness as she shares her love and loss with others boldly. Then she told them that her Daddy was in Heaven with Jesus and he was safe and happy. I know they both believed her, as they went on with their daily tasks their lives were changed. I can imagine them sharing with coworkers and maybe something will remind them as they arrive home then they will relate her story to their own loved ones.

Oh Christ, how You can use the heart of a sweet little girl to pass your love and message innocently to others. She is just as bold about sharing her simple little prayer that she proudly sings and others desperately need.

Lord above comfort me
Give me courage, help me see
Guide my actions, guide my words
Let me know my prayers are heard.
Amen

To break it down it is a simple prayer but Jesus was a simple man, so it is not just enough for each of us, it is perfect for each of us.

We all need comfort and courage to get through the heartbreaks of life, no matter how big or how small. Guidance for our actions and our words is key to living a guilt free, fulfilling life. Knowing our prayers are heard gives us the promise that God is always walking beside us whether if we just stop and take hold of His hand.

A few Sundays back, Pastor Shawn had each of us hold up our arms like a toddler does to his Daddy when he wants to be picked up. What Shawn pointed out was a powerful illustration of God's loving us as His children. At times, when our little ones reach up their arms to us, we gently pick them up and snuggle their fears away. Other times He, like fathers on this earth, let His children walk on their own. Not alone, just on their own 2 feet they walk beside Him to build their strength.

At times we need comfort, at times we need courage either way we are safe in His loving embrace. Whether He is carrying us through or merely holding our hand and guiding us along, He is getting us through with His constant presence in our lives.

In Him,
Joyful
6-24-2010