Prayer

Each time we have a meal or go to bed, we try and pray with Sam. At first he would just stare at us like we were weird, but after we say "Amen" we throw our hands up in the air and cheer "Yeah, God!" He loves participating in that part.

This week, however, he's started folding his hands too. He clasps his fingers together tightly, head bowed, but keeps his eyes wide open in anticipation for the "Yeah God!" part. Oh my heart. I about cried the first time he did that. A 13-month-old showing some reverence to the Lord touched my spirit. I realized at that moment how badly I want Sam to come to know the Lord. Not as a legalistic far-away Being he must do "good things" for to get to heaven. But a loving Father who wants to carry Sam through life. I pictured Sam at various stages growing up, as an 8-year old, a teenager, a college-student, a newlywed, a dad, a feeble grandfather, on his knees, hands folded, crying out to the Lord and communing with Him. Like an old friend. I pray that Jason and I can show him this Father. A Father who wants to carry our burdens, heal our hearts, give us guidance, and lead us in the way everlasting. Some people want their kids to be happy. I've realized that being "happy" is simply an emotion and doesn't really make you grow. I simply pray for Sam to know the true joy he can experience knowing the Lord Jesus Christ, through even the most difficult times. When life seems impossible. So for now, I'll cherish these moments of prayer with Sammy, and one day I pray that I'll peek into his bedroom and he'll be on his knees talking with God on his own accord. Yeah God!