Before he could say words, he would fold his tiny fingers, bow his blond head, squeeze his eyes shut and pray with us.
We have taught him who God is and we have read the Bible. There has been VBS, Sunday school, devotions and teachable moments throughout his 11 years. He has given his heart to the God who spoke the world into existence, sent a flood to make it clean, gave us His precious Son as a tiny baby, and who after three-days, conquered death.
He’s amazing, isn’t He? Magic even.
But now, his prayers are taking their own shape. He is living and experiencing new things. He is seeing God in his own life, not just ours. There are beautiful moments, but there has also been hurt, confusion, questions in the midst of hardship, and a longing for that amazing God to show up for him.
And he asks me, “Why would God let this happen? I don’t understand.”
Through crocodile tears (and a bit of drama) he cries, “Does God hate me?”
Oh. My. Heart. My sweet little guy holds it. From the day I first held him in my arms, I was convinced, in wonderful and magical ways, that God had given me tangible evidence of His own great love. I would lay down my life for this boy. In. A. Heartbeat.
How do I prepare him for the fact that God is not some magical genie? Our wish is not His command. How do I wrap 11-years-of-life around thousands-of-years of promises?
I don’t. I remind him, over and over, that thousands-of-years of promises are wrapped around his life. And mine. And yours.
God doesn’t always move the way we want Him too. He still moves.
He doesn’t show up in the places with think He should. He is always there.
You’ll wonder why you can’t hear Him and you’d wish you could see Him. He sees you.
There will be hurt and things we can’t understand. God gets it and He loves you so much.
I tell him, that I would gladly take the hurt. I would walk the path of difficulty for him. If I could wrap my arms around him and make it all better, I would do it – every single day. But don’t you see, sweet boy, God already has. He has taken your hurt, He has walked your path, and ever single day, your life is better for it.
And then, at bedtime, in a dark and quiet room. “Mom, can I ask you something?”
“Sure, Baby, what is it?”
“Sometimes, when I pray, it feels like I’m the only one in the world and God is just listening to me. Is that selfish?”
Against the lump in my throat, I whispered. “No, it’s not selfish. He listens that way because He cares that much about what you have to say. He listens like you’re the only one He has to hear.”
“God is kind of amazing, isn’t He?”
“Yeah. He is.”
No one can prepare you for a moment like that. When you hold your child in your arms, and once again, 11-years-later, in incredible and marvelous ways, God shows you just how much love He has to give.
**We have sung “Jesus Loves Me” to our little guy too many times to count. Chris Tomlin takes it to a whole new level. I dare you not to cry.
*This post is a link up to Five Minute Friday – an incredible community of writers who take five minutes to pour out their hearts on the page over one word. This weeks word is: prepare. To learn more about this free write challenge, visit here.
Oh Tiffany, I know it’s heartbreaking to see your son struggle. I am praying for you both. I’m so glad you were able to share that sweet moment, though, because your son is right. I believe he does listen just to him. He cares so much. Much love to you, friend.
Thanks, friend. Our hearts ache right along with them, dont they?! God has been faithful to get us through the rough patch and prayerfully we are all wiser for it. Hugs to you.
Hi Tiffany,
I am an only raising an only with my hubby (who is 1 of 5 kids)! :)
My son just turned 10 and we have similar heart to hearts.
Nice to find another only raising an only. :)
Hi Krista! So glad you stopped by and yay for the only kids! :) I do sometimes wish our son had an older sibling to share his heart with, but Im blessed he gets to do that with his dad and me. It’s a unique path, but I trust God to bring special people into his life as extended family. Blessings to you!
Such a beautiful post, Tiffany. The words of the song were a healing balm. Thanks for sharing it. Blessings. Visiting from FMF.
Such a great song, isn’t it!! Always and ever amazed at the way He loves us. So glad you visited. Blessings, E!
Priceless and cherished moments. Pray you will have many more.
Thank you, Debby! I pray for the same. :)
What a sweet entry! Stopping by from FMF. Have a great weekend.
Thank you so much for stopping by, fellow-FMFer. :)
Once I told my daughters that, in a life in which you have happy things that sustain you, and unhappy things that make you wonder “the BIG why me”, everything that happens to you brings you to where you are, now, safely and intact. You couldn’t change one thing in life or you risked changing everything. The Chinese have many ancient stories about “Luck” and what it is. Blessings to you and your family, Tiffany.
Yes, we do often wonder “why us” don’t we? I find great comfort in knowing that the God who orders the universe, orders our days too and you are right…I wouldnt risk changing anything. Thank you so much for stopping by today. Blessings to you as well.
Do you know you are such a gifted writer?? My oldest is ten. I am there with you… beautiful post. :)
Did you know you’re such a sweetheart?! :) Thanks for stopping by. Prayerfully we get to compare notes for many years to come. Your encouraging words always bless me. Hugs!!
Thank you for sharing such a touching experience. Stopping by from Five Minute Friday.
Thanks, Leigh. So blessed you stopped by.