8-8-11

August 8th, 2011 is a day that I will never forget as long as I live! It was the day that "Clayton Reid Carpenter" was written in the Book of Life! My firstborn son accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. Words could never express the joy that filled my heart at that moment!

Clayton has been asking questions about salvation and heaven for quite some time now. The questions, however, have been getting more and more intense and more and more frequent over the last few months. It got to the point where he would ask on almost a daily basis, "When can I ask Jesus to come into my heart?"

I will admit that I was the one that was dragging my feet. I was apprehensive about him being so young. What if he doubted his salvation later in life? What if he wasn't ready? Would he really remember how he felt at the moment that he gave his heart to Christ? Maybe we should wait until he was older...

I grappled with all of those worries for weeks and weeks. I am ashamed to say that I would put him off and try to redirect the conversations. At one point he point blank asked me, "why don't you think I am old enough to be a Christian, Mom?" Ouch. That was a tough pill to swallow.

I got some wise council from some Godly women that I trust. They reminded me that it has been my prayer from the time that Clayton was born that he would accept Christ at an early age. Why couldn't I accept God's gracious answer to my prayers???

Wade & I discussed the topic in depth and covered our son in prayer. On August 4th Clayton crawled up into Wade's lap and asked again, "Daddy, when can I get saved?" We both felt at peace that he was ready, but wanted further council from our pastor.

We had an appointment the following Monday morning with our pastor. On the way to the appointment I told Clayton that we were running a bit late. I told him that we would be okay as long as there wasn't a train on the tracks between our house and the church. Clayton said, "Mom, God will not let us hit a train on the most important day of my life!!!" ;)

Our pastor was so good with Clayton! He asked him lots of questions about sin and what salvation truly means. Wade and I sat silent as we listened to our boy proclaim his faith. What an awesome feeling that was to see him take ownership of his faith! I had goosebumps on my arms and tears in my eyes the entire time. At the end of the conversation, Wade led Clayton in the prayer of salvation. It was a moment that is forever ingrained in my memory!

As we were leaving the church parking lot, Wade asked Clayton if he felt any different. Clayton said, "I feel so happy that my heart could explode! I just want to scream it to everyone that I am a Christian!" :)

Recently, I complimented a woman that I had just met on her 4 children. I said, "You have really great kids!" She said, "They are great kids. They are sinners, but they are great kids." I thought that was such an interesting (and accurate) response. I know that Clayton will make lots of mistakes and that he will continue to sin. He isn't perfect - none of us are! But, I know that he has a long life ahead of him, and I pray that he is a bright light in this dark world.

Clayton Carpenter,

I have written you a letter for every birthday (and half-birthday), so it seems only fitting to write you a letter on your spiritual birthday. :)

I am so overjoyed for you! For the last 6 years I have had the privilege of calling you my son. Now it is an even greater honor to know that you are my brother in Christ! I pray that you spend the rest of your days growing closer to the Lord and telling others about him. Your confident, childlike faith has been so refreshing to my soul. You were so persistent in your desire to become a Christian, and I hope that you never lose that determination. I am proud of you for choosing to follow Christ!

The life of a Christian isn't easy. You will struggle at times, but you will always have the peace of knowing that you are being held in the arms of your Savior. Always rely on Him and ask him for strength and wisdom when you need it. He will never, ever leave you! Never forget who you belong to, Sweet Boy.

I love you, Clay-Boy!
Mommy