A Child of God

When I discovered that there was a tiny human being growing inside of me, I quickly realized that he or she was a gift from God. From that moment on I have prayed for my firstborn daily, often times several times a day. Jay is 10 years old now and as her Mom I wonder what she'll be like when she's an adult: what she'll ultimately choose to do for a living, if we'll be close the way my Mom and I are, who she'll marry - if she so chooses, and if she'll have kids. Will she become an incredible adult version of the girl I am so accustomed to being around as a child?

Growing up the child and grandchild of pastors, God has always been a part of my life. This, of course, has been something I wanted to be true for my kids as well. On April 22, 2001, Jay was Christened by my Dad - a day I will never forget. Jay was picture-perfect in the white cap and gown my Aunt Marie made from a dress my Grandmother wore. Our family was there and Babe and I were proud to dedicate our little piece of heaven back to God. This was our choice for our child and it was a special day!

On May 15 of this year, Jay chose to give her own life to God through baptism. For Christian parents this is BIG! This was solely Jay's choice and I'm sure her proud Grandfather - my Dad - was happy to oblige!

Whatever Jay decides to do in this life: college, career, husband, children, travel, to be all she can be, none of it matters without a relationship with God. She is in the early stages of Christianity now, learning who God is and why a life without Him can be a hopeless one. My prayer for my daughter continues to be that she would learn and grow in her relationship with God. Just as I learned from my Grandmother - No one else can give you a relationship with God, not your pastor father or grandfather, nor your strong Christian mother or grandmother. I had to learn to trust and love God for myself, I pray Jay does the same throughout her life. I praise God she's on the right path!