I’ve just got back from a weekend in Harrisburg, PA, attending the Christian Women’s Blogging Conference, Relevant. It will take months to process and recount to you all the beauty, inspiration, and practical insight I received from this conference, but I simply can’t wait to share with you the Most Memorable Moment I exeprienced.
- No it wasn’t hugging the necks of all the wonderful woman who have mentored, inspired, and changed my life forever – Amy Andrews, Sally Clarkson, Lindsay Edmonds, Lisa Jo, or Emily P. Freeman – the list goes on!
- Nor was it talking past midnight and bonding with my lovely roommates, Diane and Gretchen
- It wasn’t even getting caught on the stairwell with Ann Voskamp when the blizzard took the power out – memorable as that was!
No, it happened when, in a moment of quiet back in our hotel room, I heard a slight buzzing noise and realized my phone was vinbrating. I saw I had three missed calls from my husband, so I quickly called him back, aplologizing for the difficulty in getting a hold of me, and asking him what was up?
“Jesse has something he wants to tell you.”
My heart skipped a beat. I had a guess what this could be.
“Hi, Momma! I prayed to Jesus and asked Him to take the sin out of my heart!”
My first born, Jesse, and I |
Oh, how my heart swelled as I tried to take in, with too-little sleep and with the miles seperating us, the wonder and significance of this sweet, sweet revelation. How I wished to hug my little boy and see for myself the new light in his eyes. Through the sobs in my throat I told him how excited I was to hear the news and asked him if he knew I had been praying for this very thing?
“Yeah – Daddy told me that.” He assured me, matter-of-factually.
How could I stand it, you ask? How could I handle missing this milestone in my son’s life? This first decision to step on the path of following Christ? I pondered the question after I closed my phone, bewildred at the joy-minus-grief in my heart. I contributed the grace and peace I felt to two things:
- Jesse and his little heart were in good hands – Daddy did a fine job talking him through his questions and leading our son to the cross. I heard all about the conversation first hand from Jesse last night when I got home and knew God was there.
- I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was supposed to be there, at Relevant, that weekend. My weekend was like one great, big, 4 day-long, many-armed hug from God. I knew He was in control, and I thanked Him for yet another gift to cherish from the weekend.
I can’t wait to tell you all about it! (Now back to laundry and cooking and getting caught up on my sleep!)
That is so awesome! No swag bag could compare to that gift!!!!
We were at your inlaws when we got Jeremy's message.. and I SO wanted to call and celebrate with you but was afraid to interrupt or wake you!! Yay!!
So very happy for you. Can't imagine so much wonderfulness in one weekend! Jyl
I'm so excited for you!! And so proud of Jesse!!! Praise the Lord!! My heart rejoices!!
Awww, so sweet! So sorry you had to miss such an amazing moment, but just think: The Holy Spirit was at work in your life AND in your son's life at the same exact time! Awesome!
Trina, it was such a joy to be there with you as you got the news. I'm guessing you all had a Par-Tay to celebrate.. yes? You all are such an adorable family!
As moms, we celebrate all the milestones in our kids' lives…the first smile, first step, first word, but really isn't this the one that we most pray for? The one that is the most important? I would venture to say that it's really the only one that actually matters. What wonderful news for you to be able to celebrate!!!
Oh, Trina, that is so amazing! My eyes spilled over with joyful tears as I read this post.
Good for you for letting the Lord fill you with peace and joy over your son's new life, and not jealousy or sadness because you weren't there.
I'm so happy for him! And for you!