A childlike faith…

A childlike faith…

            Every day I am more and more blessed by the time I get to spend with the Sabo children. I am continually amazed at the obedience and polite, loving nature of these three kids. Don’t get me wrong, they are human just like you and me…they sometimes fight with each other and pout when things don’t go their way…but to me, these children provide a beautiful picture of what confidence in the love of Jesus and Mommy and Daddy truly look like.

I get a little emotional before every meal when 3 year old Jack is jumping with his hands in the air asking, “Mama, can I ‘ray?!” And they clapping and saying, “Kandi, I get to ‘ray! Oh yeah!” And looking over at 19 month old Caleb with his little chubby hands already clasped and his face all squinched up, ready to pray and then clapping afterward (ok, Caleb also gets really excited about eating and he may just be a little boy after my own heart which also makes me happy). Or when Caleb got sick and Jack and Izabella asked to stop what we were doing to pray for their brother. I can’t help but stop and think about my own prayer life. How often do I jump at the OPPORTUNITY to give thanks, ask for help or even just talk to my Abba, Father who loves me and delights in ME?! I think about being back home and playing “not it” when it came time to bless a meal with groups of friends…and then I think about Jack’s excitement and I think, man…I’ve had it all wrong. Praying isn’t something we have to do…it’s something we GET to do! It’s an incredible honor and privilege! Who knew that I had so much to learn from a 19 month old, a 3 year old and an 8 year old? (And thankfully, I’m pretty sure this may only be the beginning.)

During the week, we take turns leading the team in a morning devotional following breakfast. Last week I was so surprised to see Izabella’s name on the devotional sign-up and I couldn’t wait to commend her for her courage. I was so excited, though at the time I had no idea that the lesson and prayer from this little girl would impact me so much. Spoken with complete confidence, Izabella read aloud and gave her own thoughts and experiences related to the following poem:

Obedience

I said, “Let me walk in the fields.”

He said, “No, walk in the town.”

I said, “There are no flowers there.”

He said, “No flowers, but a crown.”

I said, “But the skies are black;

There is nothing but noise and din.”

And He wept as he sent me back;

“There is more,” He said, “there is sin.”

I said, “But the air is thick,

And fogs are veiling the sun.”

He answered, “Yet souls are sick,

And souls in the dark undone.”

I said, “I shall miss the light,

And friends will miss me, they say.”

He answered, “Choose tonight

If I am to miss you, or they.”

I pleaded for time to be given.

He said, “Is it hard to decide?

It will not seem hard in heaven

To have followed the steps of your Guide.”

I cast one look at the fields,

Then set my face to the town;

He said, “My child, do you yield?

Will you leave the flowers for the crown?”

Then unto His hand went mine,

And into my heart came He;

And I walk in a light divine

The path I had feared to see.

George Macdonald

As a grown woman, choosing to obey God is not always the easiest thing to do. I can’t imagine having the faith that Izabella has at the age of 8. I have SO much to learn! I am thankful every single day for each opportunity I get to experience God’s love “with a childlike faith.”