One Thing

Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains
One thing remains

Your love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on me

On and one and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never ever have to be afraid
One thing remains

–Song by Jesus Culture

ONE THING.

I think of my special Peanut and her strong will. Her determination. What will she set her mind on as her life purpose? Whatever it may be, I have no doubt she will accomplish it. I desire this for her: personal accomplishments, great influence, big success. But I desire ONE THING more.

I think of my sweet Little Bit and her easy-going spirit. How she can work her charms to wrap anyone around her little finger. I picture her life as one that’s surrounded by friends and people who love her. I picture her eventually finding a man who desires to make her every wish come true. I dream of these things for her: great friends, a wonderful man, so much love. But I desire ONE THING more.

I think of our China doll, whom we have yet to meet. I wonder what kind of magnificent story God has in store for her: taking her out of an orphanage in China, and bringing her all the way across the world into the arms of a family who loves and adores her. I wonder how she will use this extravagant story to touch the lives of others, to bring them hope and shine God’s goodness. Yes, I want this bigger-than-life story for her. But I desire ONE THING more than all else.

I want them to know and experience the love of Jesus.

I am blessed beyond measure. I love the story God has written for my life. I love my family, my friends, and my church. I love the people God placed in my path. I love the memories I have built.

Through it all, my one constant factor in life has been Jesus. Even before I knew Him, His love was pursuing after my heart. Deep inside, there was a void that I wasn’t able to fill. He knew all along that His love was the ONE THING that can. His love truly does “overwhelm and satisfy my soul”…like no other love can, not even my husband’s. Oh, how I long for my children to know and experience this love.

Parenting. It’s such a simple word with so much meaning. So much joy. So much struggle. So many lessons. So much to grow (for both sides). Yet I pray that I will not lose focus of this ONE THING I desire for them to grab hold of. Yes, I will do my best to train them in their intellect, their manners, their abilities, and their talents. But ONE THING. This ONE THING will always be the focal point of my parenting. It will always be at the very top of my prayers for them.

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

–Ephesians 3:17-19 New Living Translation

Amen and Amen. My dear children, until I breathe my dying breath, I will not stop praying this prayer for you.