"Goodnight, Jesus"

A few weeks ago, I found this old framed drawing of Jesus. Looking at it immediately brought back so many sweet memories. The picture reminded me of the illustrations in the first Bible I ever had. I gave my heart to Jesus six months after my parents gave me that little Children's Bible.  I was so nostalgic standing in the aisle at Goodwill. I knew I needed to buy it and hang it in Ruth's bedroom. The little girls in the drawing even remind me of her, with their little bangs and bobs.

Ruth wanted me to put the picture up on the wall closest to her bed. She loves to look up at it each night as I am tucking her in. A few nights ago, I turned out the light and Ruth said, "Mommy, turn the hall light on! I can't see Jesus!" So, I turned the light on, and as I was walking down the hall to go back downstairs, I heard Ruth's sweet little voice say, "Goodnight, Jesus"

Oh. My. Goodness. I can't even tell you those two words melted my heart.  How precious is that?!

I've been thinking about that little moment a lot the past few days.  

I was really challenged by that simple act. 

Saying goodnight to Jesus. 

Taking a minute to close out the day by acknowledging Him!

I want to always have Him before me, first in my heart and in my mind. 

The first word on my lips when I wake up.

And the last word on my lips before I fall asleep.

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, 

you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

 Matthew 18:3

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Christ Be With Me

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit, Christ where I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of the Christ.
May your salvation, Lord, be ever with us.

(taken from "St. Patrick's Breastplate")