Grace's Prayer

Last Saturday my family and my sister's family traveled up into the Cascades to day-camp. Tonight I went in to put the girls to bed and Grace asked me to pray, so I did. Then I was about to leave when she asked me if I wanted her to pray for me. I said sure. So she started off praying for me but then took a sudden unexpected turn onto Bigfoot.

"...And LORD, if we can go back into the forest, can you help Bigfoot to not be so shy, because I don't like it when he's shy, like kids are. Help him to feel okay about meeting me, because I really want to see him, I like him so much."

Afterward I was about ready to burst out of the room because I had been trying to keep a straight face when she was praying and it was just too difficult. But she held me back and said she really wanted to tell me something.

She said, "You know what? Uncle Richard told me about Bigfoot. Guess what? He has feet as big as all the way to Uncle Richard's elbow! And, MOM! you know what?" [pause]

"What, Grace?" I enthused.

"Some people have told some bad stories about him. That's why he's shy. But he's really friendly. Mom, Mom! If you hear a bad story about bigfoot, you have to tell them it's NOT TRUE. Bigfoot is so nice, and I want to meet him next time we go into the forest, and I hope he won't be shy anymore. He's really good, and he prays to Jesus, like probably every night."

I started spewing laughter and she got upset with me. That was the end of her persuasive speech.

Before I left the room I complemented her prayer and told her it made me happy. She said with a sheepish smile, "Sorry a lot of it was about Bigfoot."

Across the Street, Pt 3

I went over again "empty handed."

I might have over-estimated how poor her health is, because she was not walking around without a cane today. She looked great, with color in her face and dressed and more clear-minded. (She's around maybe 50 years old, not that old.) Definitely an answer to prayer... with God I do not believe there are any coincidences. He is kind. She too was pleased that she was better today. So, I'll keep praying for her physical needs.

Once again I see how impure a witness I leave in the tracks. She complimented me on how good of a mother I am that I should have more than three. And, for some people, such a comment might be an attempt at small talk. But I could tell just from the way she said it that she absolutely meant it while observing me. And what did I do? Well I got uncomfortable so all I said was "thanks." Then I pontificated like I'm some expert... to a grandmother, none the less. I shake my head, I can see how arrogant I am. Everything in life right now is telling me that I am arrogant. I wish I could change. And that wish, I know, could be fulfilled if I was more willing to stand back and let God work. Which would require of me a closer walk with Him. Being still, and focused and in tune.

We got onto a topic of perspectives in raising children. She was so encouraging to me. She has all the same ideals for priority that I have set for my own life.... I mentioned that loving kids to model things "like faith," is so important. That's all I had the conviction to mention about "the gospel" for today, and that is enough. She mentioned "God" helping her with giving birth, a definite highlight....

The test I use on myself for how I'm doing to spiritually witness Jesus, whether or not it is with preaching, is this: who walked away feeling like a winner? Me, or them? Well once again today she made me feel absolutely awesome about myself. But how can I encourage her? That is the reason I am there, after all. Where is my head, Jesus? I mean, come on, Sanc. Get it together.

She said "I get too reclusive and the days pass along." I replied in honesty that I enjoyed her company for the same reason. We thought maybe we could get together tomorrow again, but I am expecting company. So we'll see where this leads, but as for this particular relationship, I'll blog whenever there is any developments. Just so I can see, I hope, over time, what God has done.