Sowing Seeds

Most days, Karl comes home to have lunch with us. Today was no exception. As usual, it was a free-for-all, assembly-line, hodge-podge sort of lunch. Garin's meal was heated first, followed by Karl's, then mine, and we all sat down to eat.

Our custom is to hold hands around the table while we thank God for His blessings. Since Garin was old enough to sit in a high chair, our hand are always extended toward him as an invitation to join us. We have never forced him to hold hands. At his young age, it was impossible to explain the reasons, and it was not something we wanted to become a battle. Just as Christ extends His invitation to us, and we must choose whether or not to accept it, we have invited Garin to join the family in prayer and hoped he choose to do so. At times, he would grab a finger for a moment or two.

Today, something beautiful happened. Garin was in his booster seat, and Karl and I sat down. Before we had a chance to reach across the table and join hands, Garin extended both arms, hands opened to grasp ours, and said, "Okay?" We joyfully took his outstretched hands, and as Karl began to pray, Garin began to pray with him. Only our Heavenly Father knows what he said; it was in his own language. But to peek over and see that sweet little head bowed, eyes closed, praying to our Lord, was an indescribable gift and one I will always treasure.