JAKE AND PRAYER

Jake is my first grandson and my youngest grandchild. He was born last Easter Sunday morning. He had some problems at birth, minisiezures that for several weeks had us concerned and many friends across the natiion praying. I still retain a file of the letters and emails that I received from persons, some of whom were beforehand strangers, who were praying for his healing and a healthy beginning to his new life. Jake still has a prayer blanket knitted for him by Judy Byers, one of my church elders. When it was delivered, Christi, Jake's mother, placed it around him and said, "Now you are covered in prayer, Jake."

The minisiezures did not last. Now, except for some grumpiness prompted by the pain of teething, Jake is an incredibly happy child. He delights at his world. Smiles often. Laughs at the things that make little boys laugh. Loves to watch sports on TV with his Dad, Tim. Warms the heart of his high-powered executive mom with all the little baby steps and discoveries that are part of daily newness of toddlerhood. Yesterday my wife Dianne and I arrived at Christi and Tim's, a journey of 540 miles and all the road weariness left as soon as we were greeted by Jake.

God invites us to "cast all your cares upon (him) because he cares for you." Surrendering a concern, entrusting a loved one, releasing a situation in prayer is often the best thing we can do.