God speaks to me through him.
I know its my job to teach him about God...but HE teaches me so much.
First of all..this boy understands forgiveness like no other. Sim can kick him right in the face (accidentally) and he can have tears streaming down his face and say "Its ok. I forgive you." I can totally lose my patience with him. And he is so quick to forgive me when I apologize.
Oh, I wish I had that.
Next. The boy believes in the power of God! He tells me all the time how powerful God is and how Jesus wants to save the whole world and have everyone love. I'm not making this stuff up. He also told me (when talking about a boy at school who doesn't play very nice) ..."but all of our hearts get messy sometimes, Mom. But God can forgive us and clean them again." As I drive down Grand Avenue listening, my eyes are full of tears. "Yes, Son. You are exactly right."
Another one from a few days ago that I want to always remember. I was playing with the boys and rough-housing a bit. I was sitting on the floor, grabbed Sim and went to fall backwards on my back and fly him up over my head. I came down on the corner of a little wooden stool. It went right into my upper back really hard. It knocked the wind out of me and my eyes immediately filled with tears. I just kind of curled over and laid there for a second. Eli asked if I was okay and then ran back to his room. I figured he was going to play. I just laid there for a minute or two and then got up. I heard Eli scurrying down from his bed. He ran out and said "Mom, I went right to bed to pray for you. Did God heal you?" He asked with such expectant faith. (he's told me his bed is his favorite place to pray and listen to God)
Then yesterday. I asked the boys to go find a few of there toys that they want to put in their Operation Christmas Child boxes. We bought most of the items new...but I was about to buy some matchbox cars at WM and thought...we have about 100 of these things at home that we could stick in there. So I talked to the boys about the box again and asked them if they wanted to pick out a few of their toys to give since we have so much. They ran off to their room. Eli ran back holding his big Buzz Lightyear action figure "I could give them this because I bet maybe some boys don't have Buzz." My reply ---"Aw, buddy. That's so nice. But he's one of your favorites." Eli's reply ---"But I still have Woody so its ok." Ultimately he didn't fit in the shoebox so he didn't go. But just the fact that Eli was willing to give him was amazing. It taught me so much about sacrifice. He was willing to freely give one of his FAVORITE toys away. Really it kind of smacked me in the face. I need to sacrificially give like him. That is the heart of Jesus.
Now...don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to place my 4 year old on some pedestal. He is a typical 4 year old too. He throws fits sometimes. He gets cranky and has to go to time-out. He messes up. --But God talks to him. And Eli still has the ears to listen.
And I'm amazed at that.
Eli's words and actions prompted me to re-read a book we've had for years called Dangerous Wonder. I devoured it. I loved it. I want to have that child-like faith again.
God is stirring in me. I'm trying to listen. I'm trying not to be distracted by the things of this world. By doubt. By cynicism. By selfishness and the desire for security.
So thankful for my boy...who runs to his bed to be with his Father.
3 comments:
This made me tear up, even though I'd heard these stories already. Thank you for posting them so we can look back on them throughout the years. Love you, and love those boys of ours.
Apparently I need to read that book. I love how big my daughter's faith is.
Reagan --It was a quick easy read! We own it if you want to borrow it. You can pick it up when you're in town! :)
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