A Special Night

Tonight was a very special night. When I was tucking Katherine into bed she prayed to ask Jesus to be her Savior. We were reading her typical 3 books, the third was a book called "The Very First Christmas". I love this particular book because it is longer than most and after talking about the wise men it shows Jesus as an adult and talks about the things He did in His ministry and in His death on the cross. I remember 2 years ago Katherine being very confused that baby Jesus at Christmas and Jesus at Easter were the same person so I like the book that ties the two together.

Before I could even read it all she was talking about how Jesus died on the cross for her sins when he "was all growed up". We talked about what sin is and how God punished sin but Jesus died on the cross to take away her sin. She has known all of these facts and repeated them back numerous times but for some reason tonight I felt it was a little deeper so I asked if she had ever prayed to ask Jesus into her heart. Of course then I had to explain that Jesus does not actually come into her heart but that He is always there with her. She said that she had not done that and when I asked if she wanted to she replied that she wanted me to do it. She goes through phases where she wants to pray and where she wants me to pray. I told her that this was a prayer she had to say on her own but that I could say it and then she repeat what I said.

So, that is what we did. I was so excited. I have prayed that I would be able to be present when my kids accepted Christ or at least that I would know when it happened. I have also prayed that they would come to know Him at a young age and have just as boring of a testimony as I do. It used to bother me that I had nothing to share but that I became a Christian when I was 5 but I realize as an adult what a huge blessing that was.

I have put off talking to her about accepting Christ because I have questioned the ability of a child, not yet 4, to understand the gospel and Christ's sacrifice for our sins. Then I have to remind myself that as a Christian of 32 years and a graduate of seminary I still do not fully understand what Christ did in saving me from my sins. It is a lifelong journey and she understands these profound theological truths at a simple, 4 year old level. She truly does understand. When I asked her if she believed that Jesus died on the cross for her sins, her reply was that "It's the truth mommy, He did." I love her simple childlike faith. So, today she begins a lifelong journey of faith. Her faith will grow, change and develop as she gets older and understands more. I am so thankful and blessed to have such a wonderful daughter who will be living with me eternally in Heaven.