MOM’S CHATTY GIRL

The small six year old girl stood wide-eyed with excitement.  She did not know exactly how to respond to the flutter in her stomach nor the prompting in her heart.  She had an amazement of the anticipation felt as she listened to the minister talk about Jesus. She looked up into her mother’s tearful eyes.  The mother’s eyes expressed a deep care and love that was different from what the girl had sensed before this moment.  They looked at each other knowing God was about to reach another heart.  He was about to claim and name another child.  The church service ended and the mother and daughter walked out hand-in-hand. 

There was no need for words at this moment.  The mother seemed to be in a thoughtful and somewhat prayerful state.  The daughter sensing her mother’s deep thoughts, the best she could for a six year old, decided there was something very different about this cold rainy evening. The child refrained from speaking with all her might as she knew this was not a time to be her usual chatty self. This was a great restraint for this talkative and smiley child.  There was a special hush to this night and the little girl knew before she went to bed she would be different.  Her mother knew this too.

Upon returning home, they began their usual bedtime routine. The mother entered their chilly family room with a snack of crackers and hot tea, settling down to watch the evening news. She sensed that the day wasn't quite over; God had one more event in store for the night. As she half-listened to the news, she wondered how God would conclude her day. Her daughter slowly joined her, sitting beside her mother. They both realized this was the moment the mother had longed for since her daughter was first placed in her arms as a tiny, delicate bundle. The little girl said, “Mom, I want Jesus. I have been going to church for such a long time, and I want Jesus.” The mother smiled and chuckled softly, wrapping her arm around her child. Together, they discussed what Jesus had done on the cross and His resurrection. The mother ensured her daughter understood the importance of seeking forgiveness for her sins and making Jesus her eternal friend. Holding her daughter's hand, the mother knelt down with her bowing child. She guided her daughter in a prayer, and that night it was sealed. The little girl asked Jesus to come into her life. As soon as they said “AMEN,” the room was filled with the child's excited jumping and giggling. Her eyes sparkled like stars, and she twirled as if in a ballroom. She knew she had stepped into a transformed life. She asked God to help her grow up and pray with others, just as her mother had done with her in that chilly family room.

The mother and daughter understood that this moment was far greater than just the two of them. The transformation in the little girl's life was due to the impact of volunteers at her church. It was the caring and compassionate nursery workers who had changed her diapers and sang to her in the nursery. Here, she learned that God is love and provides us with security. She prayed for God to keep her in a church filled with volunteers where babies and young parents feel loved and secure.

There was also a gentle elderly man whose eyes sparkled like Santa's when he smiled. Every Sunday, he stood at the door distributing programs. She adored his warm smile and humorous jokes. It was here that she discovered that God is kind and brings joy. She prayed, asking God to keep her in a church where volunteers are kind and truly joyful.

She loved her teachers in the children’s ministry.  They seem to know how to make her feel special and important.  One man was able to teach the lesson in a creative story form so she could understand the Bible.  Through him she learned she was valuable to God and the Bible is God’s relevant and powerful word. She asked God to keep her in a church where volunteers teach the Bible in a way that changes lives.

Due to the efforts of volunteers, the young girl discovered an essential connection with Christ. On that chilly winter evening, the Holy Spirit warmed her heart, and her name was inscribed in The Book of Life.

This girl's life was continually influenced, guided, and shaped for Christ by church volunteers. These volunteers took her experiences seriously and encouraged her to think beyond her current situation. They identified her God-given talents and gifts, urging her to serve and love others, and to remain engaged with God and His church. She witnessed dedicated, compassionate, and evolving volunteers collaborating as they invested in eternal values—people and God's Word. Throughout her journey, she prayed for God to keep her connected with volunteers who are deeply committed to impacting others' lives.

For you see, it was her heart’s desire to hang with “The Greats”, “The Super Heroes”,  “The Real Difference-Makers” in this world. These are people who make a difference through humble serving.

God responded to this girl's prayer with a decisive "YES." She has been fortunate to work and serve with humble individuals in her church and community. I doubt this group realizes the significant impact they have on the changed lives within their influence. Each person in this group aims to serve and glorify God, just as Jesus did when he washed feet. These volunteers genuinely care for others, and each one faithfully uses the gifts God has granted them to minister.

This story is true because it is my own. I was that little girl who grew up and now has the privilege of serving alongside a group of caring volunteers at my local church.

My Mom is in heaven.  Her earthly influence has eternal dividends   She invested her time and energies in eternal investments. She led me to love God, his mission through the local church, and his Word. She gave me the foundation to discover and live out God’s purposes for my life.  It’s my desire to follow in her footsteps.

Moms, our everyday acts of love and service represent a noble and sacred calling. We are realizing our distinct purpose as mothers. No one else can love and impact your family in the way you do. My children are now grown men who bring me great joy. I no longer have the duties of caring for young children or teenagers, but I find fulfillment in knowing that I still have the privilege to support and love my sons. Our influence as mothers and grandmothers is immense. Ladies, we are cherished in God’s eyes!