Today is what we refer to as Joseph's spiritual birthday. Five years ago today, kneeling beside my husband and daughter, the three of us had the once in a lifetime privilege to enter upon 'holy ground' as we were invited to listen in as Joseph, our then 4-year-old son, prayed to God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, to express his thanks for giving His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the Cross for his sins and for raising Him from the dead for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. It was a mouthful for a little boy his age, but the sincerity and seriousness with which he spoke bore witness to the full recognition of his need as a sinner to be saved by Christ. It was something I shall never, ever forget. And, today is the day each year we take time out of our busy lives to celebrate Joseph being born again (born from above). If you're wondering, yes - we most certainly have a party, replete with cake, candles, and ice cream!
When he and I were driving home from school, I asked him about his day and he said it was good, but that he was really excited about tonight. Feigning not to have any idea what he was referring to I innocently asked him, 'Oh, really? Why is that?' Sometimes I can be such a stinker! :) He wasn't fooled for a minute, though. He just said, "You know," with a big smirk on his face. And, of course, I knew full-well what he was alluding to and why he was excited. During our morning quiet time before school, the kids and I had been reading through the Parable of the Sower (which I always think should be called the Parable of the Soils!), and Joseph really perked up because he recognized - especially in light of what today is for him - that the soil of his little heart was 'good,' that is, it was open to the gospel. These morning devotions are often the highlight of the day for us and this one was especially meaningful.
All of that to say this: On the way home from dropping Hannah off to basketball practice, Joseph asked a great and what I felt was a profound question. In essence he said, "You know how we grow taller and bigger and smarter as we have a regular birthday every year?" (I resisted the temptation to make a smart remark and just nodded and agreed, letting him come to his point) He went on, "Well, how will I know if I am growing bigger and stronger, spiritually? Will it show up on my body somewhere?"
Moments like this make me so glad I'm a parent. I never would have thought to wonder about something like that had he not raised it. This is not to say that I never ponder (and truly wonder) about spiritual growth and if I am experiencing any of it. Of course I think of it quite a lot. But, his question about needing/wanting to see some sort of evidence was pretty cool, I thought.
We talked for a bit and worked together through some thoughts, finally settling upon looking to Christ as the 'benchmark' and Christian character - Christlikeness - as the way we could rightly evaluate our spiritual growth. It was an excellent discussion, and frankly, somewhat convicting. It seems to me that I have a lot of 'growing up to do.' Maybe we all do.
Oh, to be like Him! As we celebrate our Savior's great mercy to me and my family, how I pray that you are being ever more transformed into the image of God's Son, from glory to glory.
When he and I were driving home from school, I asked him about his day and he said it was good, but that he was really excited about tonight. Feigning not to have any idea what he was referring to I innocently asked him, 'Oh, really? Why is that?' Sometimes I can be such a stinker! :) He wasn't fooled for a minute, though. He just said, "You know," with a big smirk on his face. And, of course, I knew full-well what he was alluding to and why he was excited. During our morning quiet time before school, the kids and I had been reading through the Parable of the Sower (which I always think should be called the Parable of the Soils!), and Joseph really perked up because he recognized - especially in light of what today is for him - that the soil of his little heart was 'good,' that is, it was open to the gospel. These morning devotions are often the highlight of the day for us and this one was especially meaningful.
All of that to say this: On the way home from dropping Hannah off to basketball practice, Joseph asked a great and what I felt was a profound question. In essence he said, "You know how we grow taller and bigger and smarter as we have a regular birthday every year?" (I resisted the temptation to make a smart remark and just nodded and agreed, letting him come to his point) He went on, "Well, how will I know if I am growing bigger and stronger, spiritually? Will it show up on my body somewhere?"
Moments like this make me so glad I'm a parent. I never would have thought to wonder about something like that had he not raised it. This is not to say that I never ponder (and truly wonder) about spiritual growth and if I am experiencing any of it. Of course I think of it quite a lot. But, his question about needing/wanting to see some sort of evidence was pretty cool, I thought.
We talked for a bit and worked together through some thoughts, finally settling upon looking to Christ as the 'benchmark' and Christian character - Christlikeness - as the way we could rightly evaluate our spiritual growth. It was an excellent discussion, and frankly, somewhat convicting. It seems to me that I have a lot of 'growing up to do.' Maybe we all do.
Oh, to be like Him! As we celebrate our Savior's great mercy to me and my family, how I pray that you are being ever more transformed into the image of God's Son, from glory to glory.
Joseph is a very special little boy for many reasons. It is a delight to read of his continued desire to grow spiritually. Another proof that when parents come alongside to equip their children at the earliest age possible, even a small child can be well on his way to becoming a spiritual champion! We love Joseph! Thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Joseph!! Looks like you had a great day!
ReplyDelete