Just in Case by Deena McDaniel Positively Beautiful Blog

6/5/22

 

 

 

The ride began with ear-to-ear smiles. “I’m here for two nights,” Arlowe pointed two fingers in the air. A quick hug to mom and dad and this bundle of energy was snuggly strapped into her car seat. We giggled in the back seat for an hour as we drove to our house. This three-year-old had lots to say about lots of things. The yawns began as the spa music played. The next hour was filled with snores. But the next few days were nothing like the sleepy hour we experienced on the way to Granny’s house.

 

 

 

 

 

As you probably know, I work out a lot! I love to exercise. I’ve often told folks that you never know when you’re going to need that fitness factor. This past weekend I kicked it into Granny gear, drawing upon my extensive experience with little ones and all the energy! What’s a granny to do? I longed to share Jesus with her. “Jesus is my best friend,” I told her as her feet kicked up in the air, bubbles flying all around. “I don’t know Jesus,” she smiled as she was swinging in her space saucer swing. At three years old she loves to sing bible songs, but has no clue what they all mean. The key is to continue to expose her to the Truth. The swing with a bubble machine, then the swimming pool were a hit until the rain came.

 


 

 

 

 

Is three too young to understand Jesus? Of course not. She understands more than you think. Simply ask her mom Mary. Mary like us speaks to Arlowe like an adult. We’ve always used big words and complex concepts with our children. They often understand and begin using multi-syllable words. If Arlowe doesn’t understand something, she asks a question as any person would ask. “Did God make me?” she wondered as we were watching Veggie Tales. We had a sweet conversation about God.

 

 

 

 

Keep up the conversation. Whether it’s with your children or with the checkout clerk wherever you’re shopping, talk about God! I do have to confess a mistake or rather a cave into fear. Recently with a private fitness client I prayed with her. She’s so frail. I teach chair yoga to this sweet Jewish lady. One afternoon she called to me from her bedroom. Unable to sit up and get out of bed, I tried to help her up without success. Her strength was gone. I told her I would pray for her. I prayed right there beside her bed. The mistake came at the end of my prayer when I kept out “In Jesus name.” I didn’t want to offend them and, in that exclusion, I offended myself. NEVER again will I keep from saying Jesus' name. Fear had captured my frame. Sadly, it happens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What holds you back from sharing the gospel? Fear. Offense. Frustration. Obstacles are always going to rear their ugly heads. Know that the Gospel is always going to bring controversy. We may often disagree on the validity of the way to Heaven, however as a believer we know the Truth. Jesus is the only way. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.-Jn. 14:6

 

 

 

 

 

Just in case she was wondering, I told Arlowe about Jesus.  In toddler terms she seemed to understand. Jesus created you; he created the world. He loves you so much! Amen. “Oh,” she smiled and continued to swing. God is the one who changes hearts. I’m only the messenger. When God says go, a convert has no choice but to say YES!  All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.-Jn. 6:37

 

 

 

 

And so, we pray. We pray for those we love and know who are lost. God will bring that heart of stone and transform it to a heart of flesh, while we wait and pray. EVERY single night I kneel by my bed on the prayer kneeler my dad had made for my mom, I pray for those whom I love and are not believers.

 

 

 

 

There will be another sleepover. There will be many sleepovers. Arlowe fell in love with our lifestyle. It may have been all the ice cream her grandfather “Balloo” gave her, or it may have been her love for Granny’s fun house. Either way, our influence will be for our lifetime. May the Lord grant us many years of impactful grand parenting.

 

 

 

 

We reunited with her parents. She smiled and waved at her mom. “Not the welcome I was expecting,” Mary laughed.  Arlowe sat there with her hands on her chin at lunch looking side to side. She knew the “party was over.”  Little does she know it’s just begun! Time with a toddler is not so clear.  Time with a Granny is urgent. Never hold back to share the love of Christ. Everyone’s days are numbered. Be bold.  



 

 

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