Heaven Rejoices!

It seemed like any ordinary day, any ordinary afternoon even. Emily arose from her Quiet Time and asked to watch a movie - very ordinary.

She asked to watch Facing the Giants - a recent discovery of hers and one she is loving! I told her we wouldn't be able to watch the whole thing since it is long, but she could watch part of it.

Movie playing, Rachel wandered out sleepy head wild hair everywhere and eyes barely open. We snuggled up together on the couch where I could be with them and fold clothes.

Time to get Samuel up - he came out too - in a sleepy mood for a toddler. And, we lingered and let the movie continue.

I found other things to do nearby and Daddy wasn't home from work yet - I'm not really sure why, but I let them watch the whole thing. By this time, Rachel and Samuel had wandered off to find something else to do - heading outside.

Emily quietly taking everything in ... I hear the end of the movie and go see how she is doing. She looks very thoughtful and melancholy.

"Are you ok?"

"Yes, I just want to be like them."

"You want to play football like them?"

"No, to be good like that."

I sort of silently respond and turn off the movie. She stays in her thoughtful spot on the couch while I return to cooking dinner.

Almost silently she slips by me and heads back to her room - I check on the other two playing outside.

Ten minutes tumble by before I realize how long I haven't seen Emily. I head back to her room where I find her kneeling by her bed in tears - genuine tears.

"Oh honey, why are you crying?"

"I've been thinking about Jesus all day. I've been thinking about bad things I've done."

I can't remember my next question to her or her response, but the next one comes from Him:

"Do you want to ask Jesus into your heart?"

"Mmm-hmm."

"Do you know what that means?"

I offer a brief explanation and then ask her to repeat after me that prayer that sweeps her into eternal citizenship. A breathless moment...

We pray together. She stops crying. We hug. I hardly know what to think. Does she know what this means? Is it real?

And, I remember during her Quiet Time that afternoon - she came and showed me a drawing on her Magna Doodle of a hill with a cross on it. Then, a second drawing of water with a man standing on it - Jesus.

She's right, I recall, she has been thinking of Jesus today. I remember an earlier conversation about Him in the day.

I can hardly wait for David to get home. Walking up the front sidewalk he comes and my words tumble out quickly sharing the precious news of the life change that has happened in our humble home this very-ordinary-turned-eternal-day!

He pulls her up on his lap in the Peace Chair - a favorite spot these days. She says, "I asked Jesus into my heart today."

My heart is stirred and the tears come quickly to my eyes. I am in awe of the Holy Spirit's work in my oldest daughter's heart. I am in awe of Him taking my very feeble efforts at training her in His ways and using them for His glory. And, for all who have planted seeds of faith in her - I am grateful.

I quickly jot this on the calendar so we won't forget the day. I've celebrated my Christian birthday for 28 years and want to be able to honor that memory for her as well.

The next few days pass and I notice a change in her. A once uncaring heart towards sin has become soft and humble. She is apologizing and asking forgiveness. And, I know her decision is real because I see the change in her.

One morning not long after, we are cleaning up from a BIG mess of toys, books and clothes. I'm frustrated by it all. Emily cleans up everything without complaint and a simple, "Yes, ma'am."

And, as we finish - she hugs me and says, "I'm sorry about the big mess we made mommy. Will you please forgive me?"

A weary smile and, "Of course I will! Thank you for doing such a good job cleaning up! Would you like to go ride your bike now?"

I love to see that smile and happy heart bounce outside excited to be released from the chores. And, I'm honored and humbled to see how her heart has softened.

What a blessing to watch this small soul respond to God! I have prayed for this day and He has been at work! To God be the glory!