Today I turn 36.
I really don’t get freaked about getting older.
But, there is something weird about my last day of 35. Of my kids only knowing me in my 30’s.
I’ll be spending this 36th birthday at Lydia’s school leading hula hoop races and bubble blowing contests for the last day of school. And my husband will probably be working late. Not the birthday you imagine when you’re young, but I think it will be a good one.
What I’m actually more excited about is a conversation I had with Asa yesterday. We were reading our Mealtime Devotions (before dinner because the chicken was taking for-ever) and the story was about Saul. They were comparing Saul to a caterpillar-turned-butterfly and one of the questions was, “Are you a caterpillar? Or a butterfly?”
Lydia said she was a butterfly. Then Asa, not understanding the simile said he was a caterpillar. (Why? “Because they are cute and fluffy.” That’s seriously what he said.) Then Lydia and I said something about how God changes our hearts the way caterpillars change to butterflies.
Asa, totally on his own said, “I want Jesus to change my heart.” I said, “You do? Right now?” I told him if he really wanted Jesus to change him, all he had to do was ask Jesus. I reached out my hand and said, “You want to hold my hand?” He took it and in his sweet 4.5 year old voice said, “Jesus, I want you to change my heart. I love you. Amen.”
It was the sweetest little thing.
Then, Lydia got all excited and started dancing around and hugging him. That sorta broke the mood.
We talked a little more about why we want Jesus to change our hearts—so we could love, because of our sin, etc. He did not “get it” as much as I feel Lydia did when she asked me to pray with her. He’s younger for one thing. HOWEVER, he was as serious as he could be. He brought it up on his own. He prayed out loud on his own (which he doesn’t do a lot). He had a grin on his face from ear to ear when he was done.
I think we’ll probably hear a few more prayers from him as he grows up and gets more understanding. But my take on salvation (for kids and adults) is that God is the one that does the miracle. We don’t have to do more than say it and believe it. My Asa might not recognize the severeity of his sin, but he does love Jesus. He does want to obey Him. He does want to know that Jesus has changed his heart—whatever that means to him.
I do not diminish or doubt his little heart-felt prayer today. I rejoice as I believe the angels are rejoicing. I pray with thanksgiving, believing this is another step in a growing, maturing, dynamic relationship with his Heavenly Father.
More on praying for salvation for young children from my friend Heather at God-centered Mom and a few posts from me, Teaching Kids About Salvation (a series).
photo source: mondounc, purplified by me, arrows by rhonna designs
Happy Jesus in your heart Day Asa!
Love what you wrote here about this decision making process, that it is God’s! My three and a half year old prayed “Jesus, come live in my heart forever and ever, Amen!” and I tried to redo it with my own prayer, trying to make a “moment” of it. He stopped me and said, “Mummy, I already prayed that! You don’t need to do it again, Jesus is in my heart!” I know it’s one step on his path.
LOVE this! Yes, it’s not a “moment” and it’s not our prayer. It’s just faith like a child, right?
Thank you for your sweet words!
a
This is great news–so good to see all the seeds you’ve planted starting to grow!
That makes me cry & smile at the same time! 🙂 So Awesome!!
Love it!!!!!!!!!!! My third is the only one who ‘did it’ with me. I’m with you in agreeing that it is so important that we don’t minimize their decision. Our job as parents is to walk along side them and disciple them as their faith matures and grows.
Happy Birthday to you and happy REbirthday to Asa!
Praise God! Oh my word that’s the best birthday gift a mama could ask for, isn’t it? Bless his heart for just simply loving Jesus. (and I love his “cute & fluffy” answer..um..I would totally pick cute & fluffy too).
that’s so wonderful! what a great early birthday gift 🙂
just love this story soooo much. You have set the stage for this moment. He has heard that sin is in the world. He knows Jesus is God and Jesus came as a baby and died on a cross to rise again in 3 days. His simple statement to Jesus “I love you” shows He gets it more than most adults. He understands that God first loved us and sent His son, Jesus. In the most precious way Asa surrendered his will to God’s. “Jesus change my heart” is Asa admitting he can’t do it on his own…that’s so powerful!! I get excited for you to see the transformation. Not that Asa was such a trouble-maker before, but I’m amazed at what God can do from the inside…places we can’t reach as parents. Spiritual fruit. Welcome to the family Asa!!! 😉
Happy Birthday Amanda! And congratulations Asa! 🙂 That’s the best gift to give and to get!
This made me cry, in a good way! I love hearing stories like this because we never know how God works in the heart of any person, no matter how old or young he/she is. I’ve been teaching Sunday School for a long time and I love teaching the Toddlers and Preschool ages because of moments like you had with Asa. They are so young but can be so filled with faith and pure love. Oh, and I love how Lydia started dancing around. It reminded me of angels celebrating in Heaven 🙂 Happy Birthday, Amanda! Thank you for your very encouraging blog. You’ve been a blessing!
Best birthday gift ever, right? Happy Birthday, birthday girl! I love how you are intentionally building up your kids in the faith — it’s inspiring.
How wonderful, Amanda!! What a special day…PRAISE THE LORD!!! The angels ARE rejoicing! God Bless you and your sweet family. Thanks for sharing.
That is so wonderful! And I love that you wrote it down. I need to get better at that.
Happy Birthday, however belated. Your little ones are blessed to have you for a Momma. I love your link/blog. Bless you,
Susannah
I’m late to the party, but bringing birthday wishes, nonetheless, and so touched by your precious boy. Love that you recorded that memory for him. I love watching you mother.