World Changers

Hey there! Yesterday was my youngest daughter’s birthday. I was kind of emotional about it, but happy at the same time. She has officially become a “tween” and I am reminded that my babies are growing up. This is the emotional part of it. I want to be able to do so many things over, get those scrap books made, make more memories, let them know I am always, and will always be, there for them. Then there are moments that take place, and it is as if God is telling me, you are doing fine. You are being led the best you know how, and here is confirmation of it. He confirmed this to me last week, it went like this…

I was up and at it early for devotions and getting ready for work. My kiddos had a three hour delay, goofing up the entire schedule for the day. Work was intense, as we prepared for an important Friday meeting, and I still had to buy all the goodies for my daughter’s birthday slumber party (birthdays are a big deal to me, and we always make them very special). After a full day in the office, I made my way home, where dinner was quickly made, the oldest was taken to basketball practice, while my dear husband took our youngest to swim. I went shopping for all the goodies and supplies, and started getting very tired. The cashier asked if I had had a long day and I replied with a simple, “Yes, thank you for asking.” It was so thoughtful; I perked up nearly right away.

Off to get my oldest from practice, it was time to head home, clean up the mess from dinner, make the cupcakes and hopefully get my workout in. The Holy Spirit stirred something in my heart, preparing me for when my youngest daughter would come home. I could sense I had forgotten something, but couldn’t put my finger on it – and I knew she was going to bring IT to my attention, rather than express gratitude for everything done. I had plenty time to choose how I would respond.

Feeling as though I could finally workout, I got dressed and laced up my shoes. When I heard my youngest and husband were home, I just listened. Sure enough, “Mommyyyyyy…..?” she said with question. “Didn’t you get the triple chocolate fudge cake I asked for?” Geez God, you were right – now what? Just get your coat, purse and head to the store. Really?! After all this? OK.

I told everyone goodbye and off to the store I went. The entire drive, God spoke to my heart. Asking if I trusted He also lived within my daughter. Asking if I believed she could sense His presence at such a young age, and be convicted by His Holy Spirit, as I am. He assured me she could. I even sensed she was experiencing her own thoughts and when I got home, she would right away express such.

I made it home with the triple chocolate fudge cake, and began to prepare it. She came down from her shower, repentance on her face, and said softly, “I’m sorry.” I always ask my children “for what”; I want to be sure their apologies aren’t flippant and automatic – that they are genuine. She replied, “For not being grateful for what you did. For not saying thank you for the cupcakes, goody bags, drinks and snacks. For making you go back to the store, and for making you miss your workout. Will you please forgive me?”

My heart swelled. What a blessing to know this amazing little girl can be convicted by the Holy Spirit, and ignore the pride in her heart that may have existed, and say what she knew needed to be said. I explained she didn’t make me go to the store, I chose to. And she didn’t make me miss my workout; I was going to stay up late to get it done. After a long hug and smooch, all was well, and I was on cloud nine. Again, last night, she over reacted over a misplaced item. Once recovered, she expressed to me her apologies for over reacting and asked for my forgiveness.

I think of all the ways the scenarios could have played out. Each one involves someone’s feelings getting hurt, perhaps creating permanent scars. Thank God He was moving among each of us. Thank God the cashier asked if I was tired, bringing to my attention my demeanor. Thank God He prepared me for the thoughts of my daughter. Thank God He spoke to her heart and she was ready, willing and able to listen to respond to His conviction at such a young age. And thank God I was able to do the same.

Sure this isn’t how it always is, but that’s ok. We are all humans, and we are learning – growing. I am very grateful for the transformation that is taking place in my life, and appears to also be transferring to those around me. As the old saying goes, “Change your world, change the world.”

Have a blessed day!