We cannot make our little girl a christian. That is a decision only she can make when she is older. Her dedication is not us making her a christian or giving her any such label... we want Heidi to be able to make her mind up by herself, in her own time, because that's what she wants to do... not because of any pressure we've put her under, or her feeling its what is expected of her.
We want our little girl to love Jesus because she knows him for herself.
And so we undertake the great task of showing her Jesus. Of introducing her to the Saviour. Of teaching her the concepts of sin and grace and forgiveness and the joy and peace that only he can give.
This weekend, lots of our friends and family will gather together as we commit ourselves to that task... and they, too, will promise to support us. It's a big task; one that we know we will fail at.. countless times. And Heidi will know that better than anyone! But we know God is good, and gracious and forgiving and will give us the strength and grace we need to bring our little girl up in a way that brings glory to God and brings her good.
After the service, we're having a picnic... everyone gathered together to celebrate the arrival of our little girl, and God's faithfulness to us in protecting and keeping her this past month through her battle with Kawasaki disease and consequent heart condition. We can't wait to have all our friends and family gathered together. This little girl is so very loved.
If you want to understand more about what it is we are doing, I wrote a more detailed post when we had Ava dedicated last year which you can read here.
So many of you readers have gone through this horrendous journey with us - you've cared for us, loved us and supported us, and I wish we could have you all to celebrate with us; but I will be posting lots of pictures come Monday!
Right... I'm off to plan a picnic!
I hope you have a lovely day with your family and friends xx
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