Child-like Faith

Skylar was playing with the little boy that lives down the street from us. He was getting upset with this boy for bragging about his own bike riding abilities and teasing Skylar that he wasn't as good. I pulled Skylar aside and explained that Riley may not know Jesus and he may not know how to be a good friend. I explained that it's hard to be a Christian sometimes and to obey God when other people around us treat us badly. I explained what it means to turn the other cheek and how hard it must have been for Jesus to do that when men were beating him. He could have destroyed all those that were hurting him, but he didn't because He loved them...and we need to love Riley too. Skylar then went to Riley and whispered into his ear. I believe he was sharing the gospel because he then said out loud that "Jesus Christ isn't a swear word when you are talking about God". I couldn't help but laugh. Then he told him he wanted to give him a gift. He brought him inside, went to his room and brought him a ring that matched his. He told him it was a friendship ring. Riley told Skylar that he is his bestest friend in the world.

They were in the play room for awhile when Sky came to me with a letter addressed to the boy's father. The letter said, "Mr. Rodney I hope you will trust in the Lord. From Skylar" He did all this on his own and insisted he deliver it himself. I went back and forth in my mind. This man up to this point has been resistant to friendship and is always seen with a beer in his hand. My heart beat fast as I decided to let him go. I paced the floor. All I could do was pray for him and that this man would receive it well. When Skylar came back, he was so excited! He said, "Mom! He said he would think about it when I invited him to come to our church!"

I'm just so thankful for Skylar's tender heart. I pray that never changes. When I think Skylar needs to toughen up and not be so dramatic, I will remember today. I'm thankful for teachable moments and for the Holy Spirit giving me words to say to my boys. I could have easily dismissed him and pushed him to get over his hurt feelings and buck up. I've done this too often in the past. I learned a big lesson today because when it got late, Riley's dad came to the door to get him. He put out his hand to introduce himself. He asked several questions, lingering for awhile. He expressed that he just moved here and how tired he is from fixing up his house. He seemed down and I feel he would have shared more, given time. The clear fact is that a door has been opened to minister to this family and my eight year old son was who God used to accomplish that.