Searching the Horizon

There was a young woman, wildly in love with God, and wildly in love with her husband and daughter. After a couple of years of being a mommy she knew her calling in life was to be a mom. Her heart began to long for a son.

Soon she found out she was expecting another little one. A son! As he was still tiny in her womb, she prayed for a name. God gave her a name for her son. Daniel. God also gave her a verse. Daniel 1:8" But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself"... Little did she realize that once her Daniel "made up his mind" he would be a strong willed son.

She adored him anyway. He ruined many meals in restaurants crying so hard that fellow diners would stare them down. He was determined not to eat certain foods, throwing up if necessary to stop his mom from forcing him to eat. Bedtime was a nightmare. He would not stay in bed, no matter how many spankings he got! (sorry for all of you who disagree with spanking. she spanked her kids...).

But as time went on, she saw her hard work paid off. Her handsome son became a godly young man. He was so generous, kind, and caring. He loved God with his whole heart. And yes, he stood up against the crowd, never following peer pressure. He was his own person, doing what he thought was right, no matter what others thought.

His mom was so proud. Often he saved his allowance and took her to dinner. This was quiet a sacrifice since his allowance was only $12 every 2 weeks. One day God spoke to him. God asked Daniel to give 1/2 of his allowance to the church for three entire years! Daniel never second guessed God. Instead he gladly gave his money. And God blessed him richly. He won contests, drawings, and had others give him money "just because".

One day Daniel decided he wanted to play bass guitar. He had an old guitar his dad had given him. He picked it up and taught himself to play, in TWO weeks!!! On the third week, much to his mom's surprise, he was asked to play for the entire church!!! Mom was so nervous, but Daniel confidently picked up his guitar and played perfectly. It was an amazing Sunday!

Soon Daniel began to play in the youth band. In the beginning, it was so much fun. God sent several mentors into his life. They had so much fun! And they played music, built friendships, prayed together, and formed a deep bond.

One day a new adult came into Daniel's life. This adult decided he didn't like Daniel because he wore his hair a little long. So this adult began to pick on Daniel and blame him for things he was innocent of. Daniel's strong faith began to shrink. He began to question the God he had always loved.

Daniels mom had a broken heart. Though he was still going to church, he put down his guitar. Many people he looked up to left his life. And she watched him slip away.

Today she lays in bed every night and cries. Her beloved son is now a prodigal son. He has given up his faith for a life without God. He has followed friends who were on the wrong path. As her tears flow nightly, Daniel cares about his own happiness.

But Daniel's mom believes he will come home someday. He was taught the truth. His mom poured her life into teaching him the truth. He can not forget. He can question. He can deny. But he can not forget.

His mom is anticipating his return home any day now. She will never give up. And she will love him forever. When he comes home, the angels will rejoice. Mom will dance! Joy will abound! Pray for Daniel, and his mom. Someday this trial will be in the past. Someday Daniel will hold the hand of Jesus once again. There is no doubt in his mom's mind. God loves him too much to ever let him go!

For now, she is sitting with God, on the front porch waiting..Their eyes are searching the horizon for him...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htSfosJ0Y7o