You Have My Undivided Attention

Whenever we talk, I am held captivated by the evolution of your mind. You always seem to ask deep questions, and search for the right words whenever you tell a story. I can see your brain sending signals through your body, as you grasp for the exact way to share it.

Last Saturday we returned to Anna's House (our favorite way to spend a "Saturdate"). You ordered a Cinnamon Role that could fill the entire family. But this time, I wanted to spend time talk to you alone. I have been thinking a lot about your spiritual formation, and I wanted to know your thoughts on God and salvation and miracles.

Mariah seems very expressive and passionate in her worship, but you're more reserved. She wants to go to YWAM on the Mission Field, but you rarely talk about your faith. I can sense that it is deeply personal, but I just wanted to know more about your questions and doubts and ideas.

"Do you really believe in God? I mean, not like Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny. Do you really believe He rose again from the dead?"

You looked at me with a mix of offense and confusion. "Yeah...?" As if to say, "Are you seriously asking me this? Do you really think I don't believe in God?"

It sparked a dialogue over a Cinnamon Role and Hazelnut Coffee. We talked about Natural Revelation and how God uses creation to reveal Himself to us. You asked me if I had ever engaged an atheist and converted him to become a Christians. I said, "It usually doesn't work that way. Most of those conversations are fruitless, and seem to be more about who is smarter. Neither is willing to listen."

But then you reminded me that Teresa had been successful in sharing her faith with Greg, a known atheist. She had eventually won him over after years of conversations and a true friendship.

These conversations are so good for the soul, Ambria. I came away from the morning date with you, feeling refreshed. I am confident that you are confident. I know that your faith in Jesus is a concrete reality to your spiritual formation. I baptized you in Lake Michigan. I know this is central to who you are.