Paul was gone the night of November 21, 2008. He was attending a retreat for prospective students interested in the Baltic Pastoral Institute. Nate and I were going through his normal bedtime routine: pick up toys, go potty, get into pajamas, brush teeth, read 2 books, read a Bible story and pray. However, this night Nate had a question right after we finished reading the Bible story. The conversation went like this:
Nate: “Mama, does Jesus live in Daddy’s heart?”
Mom: “Yes.”
Nate: “Does Jesus live in your heart?”
Mom: “Yes.”
Nate: “Does Jesus live in my heart?”
Mom: “Not yet.”
Nate: “I want Jesus to live in my heart, too.”
Mom: “Then you need to ask Him to come into your heart.”
Nate: “Mommy, can you ask for me?”
Mom: “No, honey. You need to ask Him to come into your own heart. First, you have to admit that you do things that are wrong, things that God doesn’t like. Then you ask Jesus to come in and change you.”
Nate: (immediately) “Thank You, God. (All of Nate's prayers start with Thank You, God.) I know I do things that make You sad. Please come into my heart and make me a good boy.”
Then he paused for a long moment, smiled, looked up at me and declared, “He came in.”
Now I don’t pretend to understand all of what was going in on the heart of our little boy. This was an unexpected exchange. Although talk about God and Jesus is a regular occurrence, we had not at all stressed any kind of personal decision Nate had to make. We’re not even sure where he got the phrase “live in your heart”. I’m grateful Jesus can read Nate’s heart and knows exactly what he is thinking and believing.
Jesus taught that you must receive the kingdom of God like a child (Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17). That child-like faith is precious. We’re not sure how much Nate understands but we believe that this is a significant spiritual event for Nate. It is obvious to us that God is at work in our young son’s life and that is a cause for rejoicing.
How would you answer Nate if he asked you, “Does Jesus live in your heart?” Becoming a follower of Christ is the most important and eternal decision a person can make. If you would like to know more about making this decision please contact us. We count it a joy and privilege to walk alongside those who choose to follow Christ.
Praising God for His love and grace,
Kathy (for Paul & Nate too)
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2 comments:
Praise God!! This is certainly a reason to rejoice!! God is SO GOOD!! He has surely touched God. That child-like faith that you referenced is very crucial. If we could all accept the Lord as child would, imagine how amazing this world would be! Praise God!! You guys must be so excited!
Kathy, Paul and Nate:
A note from California.
MERRY CHRISTMAS! How precious are children? They understand in ways that adults seem to struggle with.
I just wanted to drop a note and wish you all well.
Best to all,
J.J. Tafolla
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