I WISH I HAD SAVANNA'S EYES

Little Savanna has a strong connection with God. Her prayers are highly spiritual for a five year old and her level of comprehension is remarkable. Intuitive by nature, she asks questions with the relentless desire to know the answers in detail. We call her Little Miss Independent; she knows how to take care of herself and has no hesitation letting it be known. 

She also had a special connection with her fifteen year old cousin Tristin and the night we told her that he had died, no one anticipated her depth of sorrow. As the color faded from her pink cheeks, her blue eyes flooded with tears and then she collapsed into my arms.  It's challenging enough to console an adult when tragedy strikes, but a little child who is feeling the loss of a loved one is even more overwhelming. 

"Grandma, I don't want Tristin to die." She fell into my arms and buried her tiny head in my shoulder. 

Then with a twinkle in her eye she looked up at me. "Maybe Heavenly Father will let him stay." 

The powerful commitment in her voice was purely innocent and for a split second I thought it could be possible. The harsh reality quickly reclaimed my notion, for I knew there was nothing we could do to bring Tristin back.

A few weeks had passed and our family gathered together to celebrate a birthday party for Katlyn and Sierra (Tristin's twin sisters). That evening Savanna asked Heidi, Tristin's mother, if she could see his room. There was an amazing experience that prevailed when Savanna began to speak. 

"You miss Tristin don't you?" Savanna said softly.

"Yes, I do." 

"He is right there." Savanna pointed to an open space in the room.

Immediately Heidi replied, "Right where?" 

Once again Savanna pointed in the same direction and smiled as if she was greeting a friend. "There!" She said with conviction in her voice.

On that wonderful day, God had created something magnificent and we felt the miracle of His love.  Savanna had seen Tristin with her spiritual eyes and there was a light of truth shining upon her face.

Later that evening we were sitting on the deck watching the children play. Savanna came running across the deck and Heidi inquired, "Savanna, do you see Tristin anywhere?" Savanna stopped and scanned the yard with her eyes. "No, he's invisible now." Out of the mouths of babes... the truth shall be known.

Little children live in an authentic spirit and they have the ability to remember that they are in the world, but not of it. Perhaps as adults we deserve to spend more time nurturing our spirits and less time serving the world. 

Yesterday a storm moved over the easterly sky. I watched a cluster of dark clouds push their way across the sun and block it's shining rays. Then a small beam of light peered through the darkness and shone upon my face.  I immediately thought of Tristin and remembered - that even in our darkest hours there is a miracle waiting to be found.  By, Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day.