God Makes Good Things Happen and Faith Grows

Whenever life is full and I pull back form this little blog, I'm always reluctant to get back at it because I feel the need to play catch up. It's kind of like when I was a kid, recording my little world in my red diary with a golden lock, I always felt obligated to include as much information as possible. I think I felt dishonest if I omitted details or left out gaps of recent history. Even into high school, I felt like I had to give a re-cap so that the "reader" would understand the circumstances better. Untangling complicated teenage relationships would end up filling several pages of preface to my entry, and the thought of spending so much effort on such an endeavor often kept me from writing. That's probably why I quit keeping a journal for so many years.

Now I typically have to jump right into the now. Tonight, however, I am making an exception because this is about something special God did for my little Andrew.

And, yes, I need to give a little preface! Several years ago, Andrew began asking for piano lessons. He persistently asked, patiently waited, and continued to show qualities of determination that convinced me this little boy really would enjoy learning to play. At the time, we were renting a house that had an old player piano, which was not ideal, but would work fine to start off. I had finally located the right teacher when it was decided that we were moving to a new city.

And then there was no piano. Andrew's desire to learn to play never wore off, however, and on occasion he would mention it to me wishfully. Then we moved again to a more permanent place with space for a piano.

But, you know, buying a piano wasn't exactly in the budget. So I encouraged Andrew to pray about it. I told him that God cares about the things on our heart, and He wants us to tell Him because He wants relationship with us. This wasn't exactly a passing want, like wanting a new LEGO set or transformer, and I reminded Him that God wants for us to be content no matter what. It was the first time I've ever suggested that my kids pray for a thing, and to be honest, I wasn't entirely sure I was doing the right thing. Since I don't want my kids to view God as the giver of stuff, I frequently emphasized contentment in God's provisions and loving answer.

And so he set about praying. He prayed about it almost daily privately at bedtime, and occasionally when called on him to pray at mealtime. Then Jacob joined in on his brother's behalf. It was so sweet, their little voices letting God know of their request and a constant attitude that God would do what was best.

Then one day I was talking to a friend of mine about music lessons and I mentioned Andrew's desire. I had a hard time keeping from jumping out of my skin when she mentioned they had a piano in a rental property that we could use! I don't know what excited me more, the piano or the increased faith which God's kindness would produce in my boys. I think this evidence of God's existence and love displayed to my kids is what makes me the happiest.

Delivery day arrived, and I instructed the kids to wait in my bedroom upstairs for the surprise...

A happy boy! We let him come down first to see what God had done! It thrills me all over again just looking at the pictures! And thank you to sweet friends for allowing God to move you in this way!

This is how I found Andrew a few days ago. Perfect for my little maestro!

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."

Oh, how I want to point my kids heavenward! How I want them to know God! 

Am I, as their mother, persistently praying in faith that God would make them His own?

~Katherine