Hey, how's it going? Long time, no see. Let's just pretend we're still friends, act like nothing happened, ok? So anyways, here goes. Let's start out with a little story. When I was 3 or 4ish, my dad offered me some ice cream. Being the trusting little child that I was, I eagerly accepted, took the biggest spoonful I possibly could, gobbled it up, and instantly realized something had gone amiss. Instead of the smooth, sweet vanilla flavor I had come to expect from ice cream, I was met with a harsh, sour taste...and then my dad started laughing. My poor little head couldn't quite figure anything out... eww what is this why doesn't it taste good eww why is daddy laughing this is bad can i spit it out whats going on????? It was around this point in life that I suddenly realized things are not always as they seem, and careful discernment must be used (also, that my dad and I share a sense of humor, though at the time I didn't think it was very funny. If you ever hear me voice any sort of cynical statement, blame my dad and his little joke. The world is not to be trusted). I also realized that I did not care much for sour cream. I tell you that little gem to lead into this... 
   But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder              them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not                receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." (Luke 18:16,17 ESV). 
I have heard people say before that there is nothing better than "a child being saved," and I agree that a young person coming to accept the love of Jesus is a beautiful, remarkable thing. However, yesterday I saw a 46-year-old woman get baptized. While I'm not generally much of a sentimentalist, I'll admit I did tear up a little get something in my eye watching it, and I'll tell you why. At the church I attend, before every baptism, the pastor reads a "statement of faith" that the new Christian has written. And yes, the statements written by second graders are adorable. They are full of "Jesus loves me, and I love Jesus" and "I prayed and felt better" and such. But this woman's statement caught me. The last sentence, in particular. "I am 46 years old... and I stand before you today, amazed and undeserving of the love of Jesus Christ." See, for a child, it is easy. You tell a child something, and they believe you. But this woman is no child. She has lived life. She doesn't have to be told that it's not all ice cream out there. She knows life is hard, and she knows that prayer isn't a magic trick, and she knows what it's like to have dreams and doubts and joy and trouble and ecstasy and pain and love and heartbreak. And she knows what it's like to feel and accept grace. She has seen and felt the hardships and pleasures of the world, and she has decided that the love of Christ is better than any of it. She has overcome 46 years of mistrust and insecurity to come like a child, arms open wide to accept the love of Christ. And that is one of the more remarkable things I have ever seen. 


p.s. - not too long ago, I gave one of my sisters Biofreeze (think IcyHot) and told her it was roll-on deodorant. And I have to admit, standing on this side of things, it was pretty darn funny.