A Spring of Joy

For her birthday, Bella received a toy bracelet with a princess trinket dangling and sparkling. She is all about those bobbles and bangles. However, her new bangle has a hard time staying clipped on. This is partly due to poor craftsmanship and partly due to it belonging to a rambunctious (albeit adorable) four-year-old.

Asher had been watching throughout the day as she wailed every time it fell off. I would soothe her and show her how it wasn’t broken, only disconnected. I would warn her to be careful and not pull on it or it might get lost.

He finally spoke up at supper. “Mom. Bella’s bracelet’s kind of a picture.”

“It’s kind of like us and Christ. Like our obedience. If we aren’t connected to God, then we fall off and get lost. But if we stay connected and obey and have faith, then we’re like a beautiful piece of jewelry.”

I think I just sat for a while and stared at him.

When did he get such depth of spirit?

I smiled, “You are so right, Buddy. So right.” Then I added, “But when we do fall away, what does God show us?”

He grinned right back, always happy to know the answer, “Grace. And forgiveness.” He forked in another mouthful of food, “And we repent and reconnect.”

He amazes me with his wisdom. It’s so simple for him. And I make it so hard.

Abide.

Remain.

Stay connected.

Let the life that flows from the vine flow into the branches.

And when we abide, we become like Him which leads to the natural progression of doing, obeying, pursuing holiness, bearing fruit.

Abiding.

Becoming.

Obeying.

Bearing Fruit.

They are all connected and result from connection first and foremost to Him.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Have I ever mentioned how thankful I am for my children?

They teach me more than I teach them. Every. single. day.