Last Tuesday evening, Cameron and I were busy grocery shopping and talking (as usual!). While we were deciding on cereal boxes and apples (green versus red.....this can be a huge decision!) we talked about Lent and what each of us were planning to give up during the 40 days. I thought to my self....oh this should be really funny or interesting!! As we headed to the bakery section of the store, I asked Cameron if he was going to give up doughnuts for Lent. For those of you who do not know Cameron....Cameron LOVES, LOVES, LOVES DOUGHNUTS!!!!! Cameron just stared at me as if I was speaking a different language so I repeated myself. Apparently that was the WRONG thing to suggest! Ha! Who knew right?! Cameron told me that he could never, ever give up his "precious doughnuts"! I tried so hard to keep a straight face, trying to keep from laughing! I told him to think about what he wanted to give up for Lent and to let me know. Before leaving the grocery store, we decided to eat Chinese food (this grocery store offers hot and fresh Chinese food) for dinner. While eating Cameron announced that he FINALLY figured out what he was going to give up. Once again, I thought....oh this should be good! I thought he would say Lego building or chips......instead he told me that he was going to give up playing video games on his Wii. I asked him if he was sure because he loves Wii just as much, if not more than DOUGHNUTS (Wii is right up there with bacon!!!). Without hesitation, Cameron said that he was confident about his choice and said, "Mom, if Jesus suffered on the cross for me, than I can suffer for Him." I was blown away. In that moment, I was so proud of my little boy who is growing into young man determined to serve God!!!
I humbly realize that my son has become my teacher as I am reminded of the verse found in Isaiah 11:6 which says, "A little child shall lead them." I realize that Cameron was leading me in humility (Matthew 5:3). He was also pure in his mind, heart and deed. The Bible teaches us to possess the purity of children (Psalm 51:12; Matthew 5:8; 1 Timothy 5:22; Philippians 4:8). Cameron was sincere in his decision to give up something that would cause him to suffer as Jesus Christ suffered for us. A child says what he thinks, he does not camouflage or sugarcoat. A child tells the facts unlike adults who tend to be deceptive.Romans 12:9 tells us..."We need to be sincere in our love for one another." Cameron's love for Jesus is sincere and pure. Cameron was confident about his choice. I am reminded to have the same unwavering confidence in my heavenly Father (Philippians 4:19). I realize that Cameron is witnessing to me and reminding me of where all my blessings flow!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this treasured son of mine. I realize you have entrusted Cameron to me but I know he ultimately belongs to you. Like Hannah offered Samuel, I dedicate Cameron to you, Lord. I understand that Cameron is always within your care.
Help me, Lord, as a parent with my many weaknesses and imperfections. Give me strength and wisdom to raise Cameron within you Holy Word. Please help me to keep Cameron walking on the path which leads to eternal life with You. Help Cameron to overcome temptations of this world and the sin that would easily trap him.
Please, God, send your Holy Spirit to guide him. Assist him in growing strong in wisdom, kindness, and love. May Cameron continue to serve you faithfully and have an intimate relationship with your Son, Jesus Christ.
In Jesus' name,
Amen, Amen, Amen
