Sunday evening after we returned from Texas, I picked up Trae from a weekend at her grandparents to escort her to Bible Hour and a Half at the church building. I was curious what I had missed at church that morning and quizzed Trae. "How was church this morning, honey?" "Daddy, it was great!" was her reply. Trae then proceeded to sing to me the chorus of "He Lives" which was sung just before communion. She told me how Jimmy, in his sermon, told a story from his own life about being at a party that "smelled like a Christmas tree." "Daddy," Trae finished, "if I'm ever around people who are smoking, I'm going to do what Jimmy did. Leave!"
That brief, little conversation between a daddy and his daughter sure warmed my heart. To hear the sweet (even though the words were butchered a bit) melody of "He Lives" fall from her lips. To hear her retell a story from the sermon and to know that her little 6-year-old ears were open and her heart and mind grasped the intent of the story.
Her memory reminds me of why the Master Teacher so often taught in parables. Trae didn't recall one passage. Didn't quote to me one verse used by Jimmy. But something tells me that story is locked away in her treasure chest of memories. Perhaps one day in the distant future, that story might just be a motivating force when she finds herself between a rock and hard place.
I guess I'll never forget that brief ride to the church building. It was a glimpse of my daughter's spiritual growth that I will savor for life! Have you been privileged to witness spiritual growth in your world? The glimpses of growth are all around you.
