A Young Girl

A precious, bright-eyed eight year old girl with chestnut brown hair sat quietly towards the back of the small white framed country church.  Her childhood had been good as it was filled with loving Christian parents and an adventurous baby brother.  She often witnessed her parents living the faith that they professed as much as they discussed it in their home.  The love they shared was special.... rare. 

That night, in the white framed church, the girl was a guest visiting for a revival meeting that was taking place.  The speaker spoke in a heavy Scottish dialect and the girl was enchanted by the musical tones and reflections.  It sounded like music to her ears.  Slowly through the message that was a tug- pull-strange feeling stirring inside her.... it felt so much deeper than she could describe.  A sadness, a realization of just how ugly many of her actions, words, and thoughts have been.  As the invitation song began to play, her fingers clung tightly to the back of the pew in front of her.  Everything in her wanted to run-- run to the front of that small church and cry for relief from the internal battle waging inside her.  Fear arose.  She didn't know these faces and what would her mother and father think?  She clung tight to the pew lest she lose her resolve. 

As the service concluded, she wanted to leave as quickly as possible to get home and ask her mother about the unexpected heartache within.  Silence in anxious thoughts filled the short drive home and as she prepared for bed.  Finally, as she couldn't contain the questions any longer, she met her mother in the kitchen saying, "I think God is speaking to my heart...."  and tears fell from both sets of eyes.  The mother spent a great deal of time that evening speaking the words of salvation to her precious daughter.  The next night with both her parents beside her the young girl she spoke of her sinful will to the Savior and asked Him to take over her life and give her a new purpose and meaning.  He did.

Years passed as the girl matured and grew- physically and spiritually.  She entered college and new opportunities presented themselves.  Was her faith something she wanted to carry into adulthood?  She saw her parents adult faith- was that what she wanted?  Influences abounded pulling her to question, but in the end she fell at the feet of her Savior.  She fell in love with Him- passionately in love with the one who had died for her and she has carried no regrets.  His love has carried her through countless trials, fears, failures, and challenges.  His love has taught her to love.  His love has transformed her view of the world, her values, her longings, and her hopes. 

The relationship that started when she was a child that grew into an all encompassing devotion in college has transformed this life..... my life.  You see, I can't help but cry out about what God has done for me!  This is my story, but what about yours?  How did God capture your heart?  My friend, sometimes we just need to remember where we were to see most clearly where we are.