Conversations with Dylan: The Beautiful Cross

Just a few moments ago, Dylan and I were up in the kitchen experimenting with a strange cake we're attempting to make into the shapes of trains, space shuttles, and the state of Texas (don't ask!). We had some scraps of paper lying on the table from a previous project, and Dylan asked if he could play with them. He started making them into guitar strings and practicing his strumming. Then he made one into the shape of a cross...

Dylan: Mom... Look I made a cross!

Mom (while working on the cake): You sure did... it looks great!

Dylan: Mom... actually... it's beautiful!

Mom (utterly speechless and quite reflective): You bet it is. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

At 4, I know he doesn't understand the entire weight of that statement, but I pray that someday he will. I pray that as he grows up he will never cease to gaze upon the cross, amazed by the grace and love of God bled out for us and for His own glory.

Mom (speaking to Dylan in his own language because music gets through to him): Hey, Dylan, I know a song about that... want to hear it?

Dylan: Yeah! Yeah!

Mom: Listen to this... It's called The Wonderful Cross.

Dylan (after hearing the first verse): That's Matt Redman singing!

Dylan (after hearing the refrain): Hey, now Chris Tomlin's singing!

Mom (laughing to herself because Dylan can identify those two by their voices!): Sure is, kiddo!