A Visit Filled with Answered Prayer
by guest writer, Lynne
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I was thrilled to be invited to share Thanksgiving with my son's family. When I arrived, I asked my daughter-in-law if it would be okay to do the Thanksgiving Bible verse cut and paste project with the kids on Thanksgiving. She said, "Yes, that would be fine". I pulled some things out of an envelope, and showed her the My Little Friend and Primary Treasure magazines, and told her I would be glad to send them each week, and she said, "Sure, that would be fine".
As my 6-year old grandson, Aidan, and I worked on the project together, I was talking to him about the pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving, and how they were seeking religious freedom to worship God, as they believed was right. He asked me, "What is worship?" (WOW , my heart leaped!) I prayed, "Lord, help me give him just enough information, but not too much". You see worship is not part of his life experience. I cannot remember exactly what I said, but I mentioned prayer and praise; and singing and giving honor to God.
Later, when we were all seated and ready to have lunch on Thanksgiving Day, Madeline, almost 4 years old, asked "What about the prayer?" (I hadn't even asked them about that yet!) I said, "I'll sing you a thank you song for the food". (She knows the Amen part). Later, as we sat for the big Thanksgiving
meal, I asked my son and his wife, "Would you like me to offer a prayer of thanks for this wonderful meal?" Catherine said, "Yes, please do!" Wow, it was just so natural, and we all held hands as I prayed the blessing. (This was a very specific answer to my prayer request that we would be able to pray at the Thanksgiving meal!)
On Friday, that next morning, I was having my time with the Lord, meditating on the fruits of the Spirit and
writing them out. I also pondered how best to approach my son, to ask him why there were no Bible stories amidst their many, many books on dragons, Harry Potter, etc.
The little ones then came quietly into my room, climbed up on my bed and started visiting with me. After a little bit, Aidan asked me what I was writing. I told him I was writing as part of my morning worship. He asked what the words on my paper were; and I told him they were love, joy, peace, long-suffering, etc. I asked him if he knew what those words meant, and he said he didn't. I asked if he knew what it means to be kind, and he asked if it was "like being nice?"
Our day proceeded, and I continued cooking up in my head what I would say to my son about the literature in their home. While in the shower, I heard very clearly from the Lord. It was that experience with the little ones that validated that I COULD not, SHOULD not, and MUST not have that conversation with my son. The children will ask, and we will answer in due time. In God's time! The important thing is to have lots of opportunities to just hang out and be available to my grandchildren; and most of all to love and accept them! (Even now, I have to chuckle, as I realize God made SURE I would not have that "talk " with my son. You see, he woke up that day with a case of vertigo and nausea that he gets only once or twice a year, and he had to stay in bed for the rest of my visit)!
Yes, Our God is an Awesome God who loves Aidan, Madeline, Ambrose, Albert and Catherine, and yes, even me! I know He was very present during that visit with my son and his family; and He continues to guide me every day as well.
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