The first will be last and the last will be first.

I babysit sometimes for these two adorable little girls who go to my church in Raleigh. I love going over to their house, because they are freaking precious, but also because it's cool to see these sweet little things being raised in a family where Jesus is the bottom line. I love to hear their innocent little voices singing about how Jesus loves all the little children of the world as they swing back and forth on the swing set outside. I love to hear about the latest Bible story mommy or daddy has read them. I love to hear them say their prayers before nap time.

I leave their house just about every time feeling so thankful. Thankful that I know Jesus loves me too. Thankful for the community of believers. Thankful that these little girls are growing up with the knowledge that their father in Heaven loves them more than they could ever really fathom. Thankful for the time I got to spend with them. And thankful for God's sovereignty.

I was over there a few weeks ago for a few hours during the day. It was a gorgeous day, and the three of us were playing on the swing set in the backyard. Anna (3) wanted to swing on my lap. Of course, Amber (4) announced that she too wanted to swing on my lap. I, being the adult and peacemaker that I am, suggested that Anna go first and then after a little while Amber could have a turn. So Anna and I slowly start the swinging process. I get us going pretty high, but nothing to write home about. Meanwhile, Amber starts swinging right next to us. She begins to pump her legs like the fate of the world depends on it, and explains to us that this is a contest to see who can swing the highest. Anna, who hasn't quite mastered the art of pumping her legs on the swing set, loved this contest. For possibly the first time in her life she was beating her big sister in a swinging race. Anna and I were higher. With all her might little Amber was just no match for my long, swing set pumping legs. And Anna had no issue letting her sister know who was winning the contest.

"We're winning! We're first!" exclaimed Anna.

"The first will be last and the last will be first," announced a somewhat pouty little 4 year old without a moments hesitation.

A smile instantly appeared on my face. "What did you say," I asked. She proceeded to tell me that it was something she had heard mommy say. We talked a little bit more about how it was from the Bible, but Jesus probably wasn't talking about swinging contests when he said it. It is just too cool to me that this little four year old already has scripture hidden in her heart. How awesome that she will get to grow up in an environment where these Truths are fed daily to her. It was so encouraging to me just to know that it is possible, that there are families that choose to have Scripture and Jesus and true sacrificial love at the forefront of their family life. I think it's just really awesome.