It's Good Friday today. I had a lovely morning with Phil, making brunch and reading together the most wondrous story of Jesus' crucifixion for my sins. Though a very familiar story to me, it brought tears to my eyes today. Lately it seems that each new week that goes by I grasp and feel deeper the weight, wonder and freedom of the Gospel message, realizing more and more how it truly is life to those of us who accept it.

The Worldviews course I have been taking this semester is opening my eyes to the incredible logic and reason that supports all I have thus far believed in faith. I have always feared apologetics because of the obnoxious pushiness I have seen in too many people who try to shove it down others' throats; but, as I have studied, my mind and my heart are being filled to overflowing as I am becoming more convinced than ever that Christianity holds the answers of the soul and makes sense of existence in this world. I cannot wait to share what I am discovering! I find it interesting that the internship Phil and I are moving to Hamilton for this summer is focused on evangelism. I am praying for opportunity to share with those who have questions and are seeking.

For right now though, I am sitting here alone, curled up on our comfy couch, with a soft, warm breeze coming in through the windows. Usually Good Fridays are rainy and cold, but not this one! The sun is shining and giving us the best spring has to offer. Buds are on the trees and early flowers have pushed through the earth and turned their heads toward the sun. The sound of Pastor Greg (who lives behind us) playing baseball in his backyard with his two sweet little grandsons is a delight to my ears (and what inspired me to set aside my homework for a few minutes to write). I couldn't help smiling hearing Pastor Greg shout with delight at one of the boys' hits, encouraging him as the little guy ran from base to base shouting back to his dad, "Hey dad! Look at me! Look at me go!" I immediately put down my book and smiled, pondering the way God has designed us to desire the attention and approval of our fathers. I felt like God gave me an earthly portrait of how we are designed to interact with Him, our Heavenly Father. I sure do feel like that little boy inside, wanting to cry out with delight to my Father, longing for His smiling face and encouraging cheer to press on. It is there if I look for it. Yet how many of us grow up and learn to tame those childish squeals and find out the hard way that in life on earth we rarely get those who will smile and cheer us on - but what a shame that we lose that childlikeness with our Heavenly Father who does not change and whose love endures forever!

Watching loving parents with their children is good for my soul. They give me valuable glimpses into a reflection of the way God loves me. I really want to know God as the loving Father He truly is, not just what I've projected onto Him from some negative earthly experiences.

Mark 10: 13-16

"People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them."