BY ASHLEY RHUDE

As a parent, I’m constantly aware of teaching opportunities I have to make an impact in my child’s life. It is, after all, our job to teach them, right?  With the task of being a positive role model for my child a primary daily focus, I was quite taken back when my 10-month-old son seemed to make time stand still Sunday night as he taught me a most unsuspected lesson.

We attended the Northview Church Night of Worship as a family with the pleasure of being accompanied by old friends, life group friends and a large crowd filled with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Beyond the flashy lights, musicians, vocalists and attention- grabbing staging, there was a deeply moving, high-energy feeling that swept through the very core of you. God. Yes, God, was in the service working in the hearts of many people.

The night went on and so did the game our son was playing of reaching back and forth to go between Mom and Dad holding him. He finally settled into daddy’s arms after realizing he had a better view of all the lights and excitement coming from the performers on the stage when he perched himself against dad’s shoulder.

“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters wherever you would call me…”

The singer’s angelic voice pierced through the darkness in the room, the music gradually got louder and more instruments came in as the auditorium lit up and the words to the chorus continued on the screen.

“…For I am yours and you are mine…”

I’d occasionally look over at my husband holding my son and remember thinking several times that it was one if those moments that whether you have the camera or not, the memory will be forever etched in your heart of that special scene taking place. This time though, as I peeked over, tears welled in my eyes and my heart literally felt like it was overflowing with love, gratitude.

My not quite one-year-old son was singing with one hand waving through the air as though he were an audience of one at the greatest concert in the world. Though his words (if you can call them words) were far from lyrically accurate, his intent babble and the smile of sheer contentment on his innocent, pure face said it all in that moment.

Are we all in for God, friends? Are we singing our praises to Him (right or wrong words and on or off key) as though he’s getting a personal concert from us? Do we still carry that faith of a small child in our hearts? Do we know how utterly safe and loved we are when we allow our Father to hold us?

Profoundly simple, complexly beautiful. My son was all in Sunday night. He was safe in his daddy’s arms and in a place of total contentment, peace. God used my small child to speak big truth into my life. You see, I too, am a child- God’s child- and he wants all of me, as I am, all the time. In the same way that my husband cradled his arms around our son, God has His loving arms wrapped around us- no matter what.  It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks of me or where I am, God just wants my love. He pursues us and loves us unconditionally as His children. All we have to do is reach  back and love Him, in return.

As the Hallmark holiday of pink conversation hearts and red roses fast approaches, snuggle up in God’s arms and know that you, his child, are loved. You may be married, single, divorced or maybe even in a “it’s complicated” ( Yes- that’s really a status option on Facebook.) relationship, but the greatest love story of all time awaits your reply. He’s sending each of us a personalized, “BE MINE,” invitation that never expires. Now that’s a love story worth pursuing! Sing your heart out to God this Valentine’s Day and always, friends.

The Tuesday Spiritual Column is entirely the opinion of this week’s writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Northview Church as a whole.