Saturday, September 12, 2009

Giving God a Try

Daniel recently turned 5, and is totally delightfully 100% boy. Peter and I have nicknamed him "Pig Pen" (although he and the other kids don't know) because he is happiest in the dirt. He can hardly wait to get out the door in the morning, and loves to help outdoors at any time, regardless of whether it is 110 outside or pleasant. He is a boy with a wheelbarrow, a rake, and a shovel, and he's on a mission. Earlier this week I told him to go play outside and he actually implored me "No Mommy! Please! I can't just PLAY! Give me some work! I need a job!!!" So I acquiesced with a muffled chuckle and sent him outside to rake the pine needles off the grass. What a kid!

Even more of a marvel is to see in him how his faith in God is growing. When he prays, he prays with fervency, with what can only be termed "childlike faith" to God, who (obviously to Daniel) is really listening and acting on Daniel's behalf. If only the rest of the world could see it as clearly as he does!

Recently Daniel has had some bad dreams at night, and has been afraid to go to sleep in the dark. He wants his nightlight, songs to be sung, each member of the family to pray for him, etc. It is precious, but still concerning.

So last night he started panicking again, and Peter told him to go back to his room and HE ask God to protect him from bad dreams. The look on Daniel's face was priceless, like 'Do you think He would Dad?' Peter went back with him to tuck him in and listen to his prayers, but the sweetest thing was that he announced "OK. I'll give God a try!"

With that, he promptly went to sleep and slept like a baby through the night.

Tonight when it was bedtime he wasn't afraid at all.

"Do you want to pray and ask God to protect you from bad dreams Buddy?" I asked

"Yes. I already did."

"Did God protect you last night? Did you decide if you can trust God?" I queried

"Yes. I can trust Him. He takes care of me."

Ah, the peace that passes understanding. If only we all had the faith of a child, in the one true omnicient, omnipresent, omnipotent God.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Not Really Needed After All?

This morning Hannah announced to us that "the kids and I will be fine if you and Mommy die."

"Oh really?" Peter questioned

"Yes, because I can feed us all the food in the pantry. The only think I can't do yet is get money and get us places."

Just a few minor things...