"I'm Allowed.."

The smile at 5:47 AM is unmistakable. The big grin was wiped across his young face. His name is Christopher Murray Rourke and he is six years old.

I had been out of bed for a while. I have been praying, reading and writing. The stillness is wonderful. My wife and I have been overnight at our kid’s place in Whitby. We slipped in late Sunday night and spent the night on the pull-out bed in their basement. Their four boys knew we were coming to see them but they were sleeping when we arrived.

Moments earlier I heard the small foot steps and then I looked up. Christopher came up to me grinning and said, “Hi Grandpa.” He climbed on to my knee and then said, “I’m allowed to get into bed with Grandma. Mommy said...” The big grin followed and his eyes twinkled.

Apparently this was the moment of request and seeking of approval. He was now coming to Grandpa to see if it really was okay. Remember it was 5:47 AM and an important thing for a Grandpa to know – when Grandpa also knows that Grandma doesn’t really like “to do mornings” – especially 5:47 AMs.

Christopher hung on tight to my hand and continued to smile at me… and waited for my answer. Then he again said, “I’m allowed to get into bed with Grandma. Mommy said...” This time a little more emphatic and then he waited again. I said, “Okay, let’s go find Grandma.” and down we went to the darkened room at 5:59 AM.

Christopher climbed in bed beside Grandma and with his big grin said, “Hi Grandma…” I left him there beside her as he tucked his cold toes into her warm bed. The last I heard was Grandma saying, “Come on get those cold toes under the covers.”

I had been praying and waiting on God. Sometimes wondering if he really is up in the early morning…sometimes wondering if my prayers really make any difference at all. All day I thought of this comical 5:47 AM scene and Christopher’s request. God gently nudged me and said, ‘Your grandson is a whole lot like you, isn’t he?’ In fact that thought was there over and over again as I completed the day. It is so true.

I had come early into God’s presence. I had come in his son’s name – Jesus. I had asked for some big things, some comical things and some ‘little boy things’. God listened and waited as I spoke to him. I smiled at God at 5:46 AM and then I heard the foot steps of Christopher.

I know it is a very simple and personal story that I share. You may not get hold of the emotions that I have as I think about what happened to me yesterday morning – the way that I do. But I hope that it catches a special place in your mind today.

You can come like a ‘Christopher’ directly to the most powerful(oldest) one in the house. You can smile and offer your request and He will hear you. You can be reassured that He loves you and will listen. His smile back and the love He has for you is far bigger than you can comprehend.

If you haven’t taken a prayer journey yet – why not start today – or even right now? You don’t need a passport. You don’t need an airline ticket. You simply need to come like a ‘Christopher’ and place yourself on His knee… smile and telling him what you are thinking about.

God is waiting. He was up early today and waiting for you. There is nothing more important than what you will talk to him about. He loves you – oh so much.

Have a wonderful ‘Christopher’ day.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

For your reading pleasure…
Matthew 18: 1- 4 The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven (NIV)
1. At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
2. He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
John 14:13-15 (NIV)
13. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. 15. "If you love me, you will obey what I command.