Eager to Grow

Wednesday, Sept. 14

I think even our Midwestern farmers would have been amazed at the eagerness of those who huddled expectantly to plant the first “bag gardens” at Homecare!  They couldn’t wait to dive in!  The soil came from Peace’s garden (how fitting); John introduced the process; they were in awe when he opened the bags of seeds…..so miniscule!  And yet what crops they can yield….how these vegetables can change life and health for their families!  The prospect of that kept them very focused.  Just to think of the promise of these seeds (and all the spiritual images they produce) brings such joy and hope.

And then we got to hear from a number of moms whose young people attended the recent youth Bible camps; these were the first ever such gatherings for youth, led by Christian, Phoebe and Mama Mary and others for ages 11-20.  Moms everywhere have much in common!  They love their children; they work hard for their children, and they get frustrated with them at times J   It was so encouraging to hear their feedback on the impact these camps had on their children!  And any mom would have enjoyed what they shared…..

“He was never willing to help at home…..She complained and balked at getting water….He thought what I shared from what I was learning at Homecare was silly…..She ignored my advice…..I couldn’t get them to pray with me at night…..She seemed so distant from me…..very little affection or concern.  It made me so sad…..he has a beautiful voice and used to sing in the choir at church, but then he started going around with certain boys and that all changed….he wandered the streets; didn’t want to be at home….”

Does this sound so radically different from our society?  For three days these young people gathered to hear God’s Word, to share concerns, sing, pray, learn scripture, to consider how God loves them, the family He put them in, and their place in His plan.  Love, respect, kindness, responsibility….these were the topics addressed, and how the Spirit must have pierced their hearts, for these were the results these mothers have observed since:

“He asks me for my Bible so he can read it each night…..She goes to get the water without even being asked and without complaint……She hasn’t fought with her siblings and asks what she can do to help me…..Now we pray together every night…..He repeats the verses he learned at camp and asks when they can have camp again….My daughter now comes to hug me and is willing to talk with me, sharing her thoughts….He used to make fun of what I told him about Homecare; now he asks if he can come with me….He doesn’t go out on the streets but is content to be at home…..The three of them now read the Bible together and pray together…..”

I have to admit that I chuckled when one mother complained that her son wouldn’t change his socks and was excited that now he is washing them himself!  (and mothers everywhere say, “Amen!”)

Each one said that their young people were sad when camp ended; they wanted more…..they are eager to grow!  External change issuing from changed hearts…..when the love of Jesus enters, love for yourself and others can grow.  As moms together, we prayed for our children, for wisdom to be the kind of mothers they need, and for His love to grow deeper in us all. 

Praying that we all will have such eagerness to grow in the knowledge and grace of the Lord!