"Is he in there now?"

"Is he in there now?" That is what Peyton had just said to me. You see, every night I read out of this children's bible stories book. We read about one story a night and it comes with a bible story, questions at the end to make sure they got it, and then a verse for them to remember and recite. Tonight's story, "Jesus Loves Little Children". At the end, as we are going over the questions, the question comes. What should children do to know Jesus and have Jesus live in their heart? As I ask my children, it really sparks Peyton's interest and he decides to go deep on me. Ohhhh no, hold on. Am I going to say everything he needs to hear? Will it make sense to him? God help me in this moment to be a witness to my child....at the young, sweet, immature age of 4 1/2. He says to me, "What do I need to do to have Jesus in my heart?" I tell him that he has to ask Jesus to come into his heart and that he only comes from being invited in. As I continue I tell him that Daddy and Mommy have Jesus in our hearts. "Jesus is in yours and Daddy's hearts?" "Jesus is always with you once you ask him to be." "Okay Mommy, I am going to say a prayer by myself to Jesus and you and Elle say a prayer for the people."(He is speaking of the list of people, you know what I am talking about...the same list you go over every night when you are praying.) So here goes(with his sweet little hands together and his eyes closed), "Dear Jesus, please come into my heart". (Opens his eyes) "Mommy, is he in there now?" My goodness, as my eyes are filling with tears, I say to my precious little one, " Yes son, he is. As soon as you ask, he is there and he will always be there for you forever". I go on to tell him, "You know the best part about it?!! When you ask Jesus into your heart, you will go to Heaven when you die. And guess what? It is waaaaay cooler and so much more fun than Legoland. It is the coolest place ever!" He looks at me with this big blue eyes, so wanting to know more. He says, "So if my ear hurts, Jesus will make them better now?" I say to him, "Son, Jesus is the best doctor around! He can fix anything and as long as you pray to him and talk to him he will take care of you." I tell him that because Jesus is in him, he can always call on Jesus anytime he is scared, frightened, or in need of anything. He is there for him all the time! Seriously, it does not get any better than this! I kiss my little one on the head and tell him, "That was a really cool thing you did tonight and I am very proud of you". I know Jesus is looking down on me going, "Job well done". And for that, I am internally satisfied. He may not understand the complex idea of having his Jesus in his heart, but the way he understands it right now is on the right road to victory! To see his smile on his face tonight, and his real interest for the first time, I had a feeling of satisfaction. There is just something so sweet about it. There are no words to describe my feeling at that moment. My prayer for him is that he will continue to grow and to ask questions. God help him to want to know more. Amen.