Michelle was a three year old little girl when her family, including an older sister and brother, moved into the house across the street from our house. I soon got to meet the whole family, and we became friends. My daughter had just left home for college, and I was “empty nesting”, so I enjoyed Michelle and her siblings being near by.

One day, when I had been visiting with their mother, as I turned to leave, Michelle said to me, “You know, you could have a new baby, because my Daddy has lots of spare parts in the garage that he would give you.” I thanked her very much and said that it was a very kind offer. I didn’t laugh or even act surprised, but I thought that my neediness must have been detected by this very young child, or perhaps her mother had explained to her my “empty nest.” In either case, I was touched that she wanted to supply a remedy to what she thought was my need.

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. ( Matthew 6:7)

Jesus gave many strong assurances that God is present with us and wholly knowledgeable about our needs and desires: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you; for everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened to him. (Matthew 7:7-9)

If a three year old child with no resources at all, can wish to fill my need as she perceived it, how much more an omnipotent God, who creates life itself on earth, can fill the real needs and desires of all our lives. The promise is absolute. Jesus makes no exceptions. It all takes place in a relationship of trust and faith, and ultimately of love for the one who promises: The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love Him with all your heart and all your soul, and live. ( Deuteronomy 30: 6)

Neither Michelle nor I ever mentioned the spare parts in her father’s garage again, but I did feel that though my nest might be empty, my heart was full of gratitude and joy in my new neighbors.

Love in Him,

Prue