Hi Jesus

I am beginning to experience the joys of introducing your child to Jesus. My little Jackson is 23 months old, so most of what he knows of Jesus is in the context of an exciting bedtime story and prayers and songs. But that alone is exciting to me. Here is this little small human, and one of the first words spoken on his lips is Jesus' name. He knows that Jesus loves him, just like mom and dad do (he's recently been calling us just "mom" and "dad"- I"m hoping the "mommy" and "daddy" phase isn't possibly ending so soon!). He knows that Jesus is powerful, just like daddy when he flies him through the air, and that Jesus is always with him, just like mommy is all day long!Nick and I are teaching Jackson what love is, what power is, what faithfulness is, and then we are slowly beginning to pass those traits back to Jesus, not us, while at the same time introducing him to God's story, the Bible, one story at a time. Currently we are most interested in Noah and Jesus calming the storm. But I am loving the privileged feeling I get when I pray with him before a meal. It is such an honor to look into his sweet and curious eyes and tell him that Jesus helps us when we are sad, that Jesus is stronger than the wind and the waves, that Jesus loves him. Discipleship takes on a whole new meaning with your child. My Jacksy is very smart. At 23 months he is speaking in 8 word phrases all day long. He likes to be with people. He likes to tease and have fun, but he can also be very focused, very serious. He can be shy sometimes, or not shy at all. He likes to snuggle at bedtime, but doesn't have too much time for snuggling during the day when there are things to do. He has an amazing memory. He likes to remember things other people have said or done, perhaps even months later. I love getting to know this little person. Discovering his personality, what makes him laugh, what he is interested in, but I've found that nothing compares with the sweet joy of introducing my son, who I absolutely adore, to my Savior. Each and every day I get to do this in many ways and I pray I will take every opportunity that comes.2 nights ago I was putting Jackson to bed, and we had already snuggled together for quite some time and it was now time to put him in the crib and say goodnight. He didn't want me to go and held tightly to my neck and whimpered as I tried to lie him in the crib. I said, " It's ok Jackson, Jesus is with you and you can talk to Jesus while you fall asleep". He immediately released his grip and in a contented and tired voice said, "Yeah....hi Jesus! Hi Jesus" He laid down in his crib and I said "Goodnight buddy I love you!" He smiled and as I stepped away I heard him say "That's better, Jesus". Now, I know these are sweet nothings right now. Unbelievably sweet, but nothing more than a 23 month old understanding. But I know they are stepping stones. It's a foundation. And it is so precious to hear. I pray that our obedience to not just exposing but engulfing our son in God's truths will result in his own salvation and relationship with Jesus. Just as soon as possible!I know this is not profound thinking for so many of you parents out there, but it is in my heart today, and most days, so it ended up on the page!