Some years I stop on June 24th and reflect on the beauty of God's grace on my awkward 14 year old heart and some years I'm awfully busy and I just forget.
However, yesterday was extra special because I saw 64 brothers and sisters come to Christ on June 24th at camp Siloam. The Spirit was so evident and so persistent to the hearts of students last night and I can't help but wonder how many of them are 14.
I remember when I was in their position and I was afraid and I was nervous and I was surprised myself because I had been playing a Christian game for so long.
Then I think, "I can't believe that was a whole ten years ago."
It really is crazy. It seems so long and often I think, "shouldn't I be more mature in my faith by now?" Then I began to think about my niece who is ten years old.
She is a lovely human with a precious heart. She loves animals and math (which is quite opposite of her Aunt Hanna). In life, she has had some real trials, but often she lacks full understanding of the gravity of her circumstances. She has sisters that she often bickers with. She is often distracted from the world around we by her iPod. She's really funny and has a laugh and smile that melt my heart. Sometimes, I am really surprised by her insight.
For a ten year old, I find her to be pretty wise. However, she is just ten and lacks adult understanding. I can barely remember anything significant from being ten years old physically, but however awkward and distracted and quick to anger I am now as a ten year old believer in Christ, I will probably attempt to look back in 14 years and wonder what I was like as a ten year old believer.
Regardless of my immaturity and how easily I get off track with The Lord, has so blessed my life. I am so much smaller than my circumstances and I am so much smaller than the conversations be allows me to have with others, but his grace is sufficient for me, a ten year old.
And this is 14 year old, chubby faced, me:
