Dave Gifford

Kendra now belongs to Jesus

On September 3rd I had the privilege to baptize my daughter Kendra.

Over the last several months she has been asking if she could get baptized, but I wanted to be sure she understood what it was she was committing too.  The decision to get baptized is about so much more than deciding to get wet.  Kendra and I had many opportunities to talk about what Jesus did on the cross, what it means for us to accept his sacrifice for us, and also what it means to let him be the one to call the shots in our life, for the rest of our life.

Kendra, the girl who was born at 3:30 a.m. in the morning,

the girl who wouldn't talk until she was almost 3 years old,

the girl who sat in her high chair for 2 hours because she wouldn't say "please",

the girl who has to leave everyday for school at precisely 8:18,

the girl who never met an animal she didn't love,

the girl who wouldn't think of ever coloring outside the lines,

the girl who will one day do pretty much whatever she decides too,

yes, that Kendra, now belongs to Jesus.

Her Father is quite proud.

 

8:18

My two daughters, Kendra (8) and Paige (6) leave for school each morning at 8:18.  For Paige, 8:18 is when her sister walks out the door, so she tags along.  For Kendra, 8:18 is sacred.  Did I say 8:18?  Not 8:16, not 8:17, not 8:19 and certainly not 8:20.  8:18 on the dot. (I sure do hope our stove clock is atomically correct)   

I can't honestly tell you when Kendra's obsession for leaving at 8:18 began, only that it is now an engrained part of her routine. 

I think leaving at 8:18 gives Kendra a sense of control.  She knows that if she leaves for school at 8:18 she will never be late.  (She could never forgive herself for that) The "8:18" rule protects her from breaking another rule (Being tardy) and now 8:18 has become an obsession.  (I am raising a Pharisee)

Before I bag on my daughter too much though, I have to look in the mirror. (Pharisees learn their behavior from somewhere)  I have my own 8:18's:

• Keys in the left pocket
• Chapstick in the right pocket
• Bed sheets flat and tight
• Food with a game on TV
• No small containers in the milk/drinks area of the refrigerator (I feel another post coming on)
• A certain amount of money in the bank for emergency's

My wife Rose, could offer a more exhaustive list on my obsession areas, but you get the point.

What are your 8:18's?

I am on a mission to control my life just like my daughter.  I protect the things I value, by engaging in certain, sometimes obsessive, behaviors.  Hmmmmmm, clinging to the illusion of security, how human of me.  (I guess I am a Pharisee too)  I think what God is trying to do in my life is to break me of my obsessions, so that I will trust Him, more than myself.  Not an easy task.  For me, giving up control to God is a daily struggle, but it's important to engage in it because there is so much in my life that is out of my control.  What am I supposed to do with that stuff? I try to trust Jesus with it, but most days I fail miserably.  I take back control so easily.  Thankfully Jesus is patient with me, so I am free to try again tomorrow. 

I hope I can help Kendra learn how to give up more control of her life to Jesus.  I am certainly not an expert in showing her what that looks like, but maybe the fact that I am trying each day will give her the freedom to do the same.

Well, I guess I better go now, it's almost 8:18.