January 22, 1982, late at night in the Cascade Mountains near Cle Elum, Washington, God found me. I wasn’t lost in the sense that no one knew where I was. I was lost in a religion that was what I did on Sunday, but God found me and drew me into a relationship that changed the course of my life.

I grew up in a beautiful Christian home with a family who loved me. As a child, my grandma, who so fondly called me “Jenny Wren”, told me that God had something special for me. She didn’t know what it was specifically, just that God would use me in ministry in some capacity in my life. I always felt important & valued when she told me that.

Sitting in my home far from Washington State this morning, what are my thoughts as I ponder the night that changed my life forty-three years ago?

I can still remember the incredible sense of peace that come over me in that moment. The worship leader at the youth retreat challenged us to think about all that God had done for us as we walked back to our cabins that night. In the middle of a bunch of loud and crazy students, I walked through the snowfall talking to God. It was just me and Him. Every time it snows (like it did in San Antonio this week, just for me), I am reminded of the incredible sense of peace that comes from knowing that I am loved, chosen, and known by God. He sees me every day, even the ones when I forget to see Him.

Now that I am a grandma, I often remember the role that my grandma played in my life. She loved Jesus, and her words spoke life to me. I think of my precious grandbabies and pray that my words will speak life to them, too. But not only my words, Lord Jesus. May my actions speak louder than my words. Whenever I change a diaper, make a peanut butter sandwich, sit on the floor to play, snuggle on the couch with a book, or giggle because that’s what we do, may my grandbabies feel, know and understand the love of Jesus.

Whether you are a parent or grandparent, aunt or uncle, youth leader, teacher, or family friend of a child or teenager, don’t underestimate the power of your words. They can change a day, a year, a lifetime. They might even change the world.

I am grateful for this life I live and have lived. Thank you, Jesus, for finding that lost girl walking through the snowfall and looking for You. I needed to be found by You.