Teens, Three year-olds, and Prayer

You have heard it before in a previous post: "Hebby Fadder."

Yes, this is another prayer story. Only this one began with a late night and an unhappy 17 year-old.

She was upset because the Seniors had to be present on a practice TAKS test day. For those of you that don't know TAKS, it is a multiple day series of tests given in Texas from 1st grade through 11th. The results are used to rank the quality of education in schools and their districts. If approved, the school is given a waiver by the state so seniors, at least those that have passed the TAKS (also a graduation requirement), do not have to attend the school-wide, almost whole day testing day.

"Everything changes for my grade!" she complained.

Her 14 year-old sister and I giggled. We should have known better. At least, we should have giggled in the other room, because then we got the full brunt of her frustration. You would think at 40, I could realize the consequences of my actions.

Anyway, it was then time for family prayer before Fred went to bed. The routine again is to help him say his prayer by having him repeat my words.

"Hebby Fadder" (Heavenly Father)

"Thank you for my..." At this point, the word day was turned into a five note melody.

I thought maybe it was just a fluke, but no... each sentence was completely turned into another original musical sentence. Before we all started to giggle after the third or fourth composition, I had him finish. I opened my eyes and we all fell over on the bed, including the once upset teen, gave each other lasting hugs, and went to bed.

Illuminating Idealogy

Government tries to keep peace. Others try to disrupt the peace for the sake of their cause, not reflecting on the disruption of human life.

We keep trying to make better, faster, more efficient "things." Phones get smaller. We can communicate with anyone in the world for the sacrifice of a few minutes of our phone plans.

Some changes take years. Iraq. Lebanon. Israel. Russia. Homes, suburbia, encroaching on rural life.

Some changes cost money, time, heart, and the breath of a tiny newborn.

Changes come physically and emotionally.

The desire of all our choices are to create. We create peace, disruptions, laughter, sadness.

All of us forget that our lives must end. Not CAN end, but WILL end. What will be left behind is the result of big and small choices.

Early in the morning, illuminated by dawn through my bedroom window, I sat and admired the the soft curves of light on my infant sons chubby arms, legs, and feet while he was cradled in my arms, sleeping. Admiration turned to pondering:

What if every choice we made was preceded by the touch of an infant, or a glimpse of a babies smile? What if every leader in business and government had to play with the three-year olds at the neighborhood pre-school for a few hours each day before making long-term and big decisions?

Isn't it great that God knows how the calming softness of a baby and the incredible, infectious joy of a child's laughter can affect us. Let's make sure each choice will repay God's kindness.