His next question was quite courageous. “Mommy, is there a tooth fairy? And is Santa Claus real?” Trying to get a read on where Joshua’s heart was with this question and wanting to reply to him truthfully, I began answering him in a long-winded kind of way. We want our children to be respectful of what other families traditions are (we never made a big deal out of Santa Claus), and I wanted to be sure he really was seeking and ready for the truth at that moment.
After a few minutes of my discourse, Joshua interrupted me with urgency and asked the question again, “Mommy, is Santa Claus real?” I said, “Well, Joshua, before I answer, what do you hope the answer will be?”. His passionate and sincere reply caused my heart to rejoice. “Mommy, I don’t care if Santa Claus is real or not. I just want to know the truth!” Oh, yes! Music to a parent’s ears! “I just want to know the truth!” I rejoiced and told him that our prayer is that he always just wants to know the Truth!
This unexpected tête-à-tête with my son continues to linger in and challenge my heart. Living in and by the Truth is genuinely freeing. “Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 (NIV) However, it is very difficult, and it requires courage. It requires abiding in Jesus, the Truth. It requires that we hold to His teaching and that we trust Him. We must ask the Lord to allow our hearts, words, responses, thoughts and behavior to be based in His truth and love. If we live in the truth, our own hearts will be clear of any debris and we will enjoy His light and life. We will respond to nonsense with God’s grace and wisdom. Our speech will reflect His gentleness and love.
Faithful Father, cause me to live in You, abide in Your truth and continually seek Your truth. By Your grace and with Your courage, may my life reflect a life lived in truth for Your glory alone. Gently expose to me areas in my life where I may not be living in the truth. Graciously help me to grow in your Truth daily. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6 (NIV)
“But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13 (NIV)
“Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for Your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in Your truth.” Psalm 26:2-3 (NIV)
“…guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior.” Psalm 25:5 (NIV)
AMEN!
Oh that son of yours is too cute!
I love that story. Our children are fine knowing there is no Santa either or tooth fairy or Easter Bunny or any other tale they hear around. They too want to know the truth and that they can depend on us telling them it no matter what. Praise God for their hearts on fire for truth – even if it convicts them and hurts while they must sit in the fire they so long to know. By His hand they are crafted into the pots He so desires. By His hands the truth will set them free!
Hugs and love,
Jill
What a great story. Sounds like he has “joy in the truth” like his mama. 🙂
Oh to know the truth and the One who is The Truth!
I remember when my son wanted to know if there was a Tooth Fairy and I told him, I was his Tooth Fairy. I thought he grasped what I was saying until I later overheard him telling a little friend that his mother was THE Tooth Fairy. Guess something was lost in the explaination.
Seeking truth,
Joy