Susannah’s bedtimes are special because mom and dad read and sing with her. But the other night, I put down the books and told Susannah stories about Jesus from memory.

I’d never done this before—I was inspired by my visit with the Bruns.

I told Susannah about the time Jesus calmed a storm and raised a little girl from the dead and met Zaccheaus. I didn’t plan it out. I just went with what I could think of in the moment.

Because we were looking at each other and not a book, I got to see Susannah’s reactions. Boy, did she find these stories thrilling!

She was afraid when Jesus’ friends were afraid. Sad when the girl’s family was sad. And worried whether little Zach would see Jesus or not. Even more, she was delighted when Jesus calmed and healed and invited himself over for dinner. She giggled and squirmed.

All of this took maybe four minutes. Then, I sang a Zaccheus song I made up on the spot because I couldn’t remember the one I learned at her age. Then, she sang to me, “Jesus Loves Me.” And finally, I laid her down.

The fancy word for this is, “evangelism.” It might seem harder when the other person isn’t your own child, but the basic idea is the same. Lots of love, lots of listening, and telling stories about Jesus.

What’s your favorite story about Jesus? Who are you telling?

Thanks be to God. -PC