Growing Samuel

Okay, so my last post was about the growing one I call Benjamin and this one is about his brother. Sweet Samuel has really taken to his daddy lately. We all (at least any of you who have been around us at all) know that Samuel has been fully attached to his mother's hip from the time he was born. He has no problem connecting with me. He has however, had a harder time with his daddy. Benjamin and John hit it off from the start. They also spent quite a few days together as I was teaching school. And Samuel definitely loves being with his daddy, but he has lately taken a new affinity for him. It is much fun to watch, and I get to see what it is like for a daddy to woo the affections of a human heart. I know that there is such a thing as "prevenient grace." I learned it in some wonderful "what it means to be a methodist" class growing up- the idea that the Lord is desiring our hearts before we even turn to him. That, as we are still sinners, not even recognizing there is a God, He is wooing us back to Him. We come to him, repent and believe, and spend the next months and years of our lives amazed at his care over us in that time. I have seen it over and over-- the heart of the Father displayed to unbelievers.



¹⁶ God so loved the world that He gave His only…Son that whoever believes… (Jn. 3:16)

⁴⁵ Makes His sun rise on the evil and the good…sends rain on the just and unjust. (Mt. 5:45)



So, I know all this in my heart and I am watching my son. Samuel is being wooed by his father. He used to come to me when he was tired and sad. He wouldn't go to anyone else. He would hold my leg until I (and only I) picked him up. If John tried, he would proceed to voice his discomfort, loudly I might add. This past weekend John was gone to a conference and we missed our favorite day of the week, Saturday, because it's "not a work day." It's a daddy day. Since we missed it we were going to do all kinds of fun things, but one of them included calling daddy. This picture is of Samuel talking to his daddy on the phone. I tell you this, he was ENGAGED. He listened intently to what his daddy was saying so he could respond and interact with the one he longed to talk to. I was amazed. And then today, he was fussing and holding my leg as he does sometimes and daddy came over to get him and rather than turn his head away and cry louder, he actually giggled and went running to his daddy. What an amazing testimony. That after months of playing and laughing together his heart learned who it can turn to in times of hurt. My Samuel has been wooed by his daddy. He runs, plays, talks, and loves him without a second thought. Daddy can kiss the bumps and bangs just as well as mommy. Tonight when I left for a meeting, I got a kiss and hug, but not a tear was shed. (except maybe by daddy, heehee) My baby has grown so much in love for a father that fought for his heart. He won't ever turn away. They trust he has for his daddy will never falter.



What an amazing testimony to the heart of the Father in heaven. He is so good to our hearts, he seeks us out, woos us to him. And when we turn to him in trouble instead of running away, His arms are so much stronger than any other we can find. He will hold us tightly- as long as we will sit still. I pray this over my boys as they are wooed by their heavenly Father, that they would see His heart every day in their daddy's. We are truly children, adopted heirs in the Father's kingdom.