The Anecdote:
We sat down to our Sunday dinner not too long ago. Jonathan had asked me to give the blessing on the food. We started to eat, but I left for a moment. When I came back into the kitchen, I heard Keyan saying a second prayer. He was going on... and on... and on. He covered everything from family (one by one, individually), to nursery, to the flowers on the table, to the tractor and truck one of his little friends had given him, to the water we were drinking. He also included thanks for many of his favorite things: snacky cheese (mac & cheese), the chocolate train (long story...), tomatoes, and more. Whatever came into his head, he thanked Heavenly Father for. The prayer was at least five minutes long, and I'm sure Keyan would have kept praying if we hadn't prompted him to end his prayer and resume eating.
The Lesson:
The Reflection:
As Keyan prayed, I reflected on a few things. First, I chastised myself for so frequently prompting Keyan's prayers (the repeat-after-me method). Evidently, he is quite capable of expressing his gratitude without my help.
Secondly, I thought of how often I rush through my own prayers. And I'm an adult. Kids are supposed to be the ones who quickly lose attention... right? What an excellent reminder to slow down and fully express my gratitude to our Father in Heaven.
The Lesson:
"Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18: 3-4).
6 comments:
I have no greater joy than to know that our children walk in truth"
It brings me so much joy to see my son talk to his Heavenly Father!
That's such a sweet story about Keyan. What a cute kid.
Wow... He's so cute! I can't believe he's growing up so fast!
Hey Chante, I just found your blog. I hope you don't mind if I keep my eye on your cute little family from now on! If you ever get bored our blog is pettingillspage.blogspot.com
Erin P.
That is so adorable. I can't wait for Tyler to start praying by himself. We are working on saying "amen" and "Jesus" right now. We aren't having any luck though. Any suggestions? I love that he was so thankful for his tractor. That is so cute!
Childlike faith is remarkable. It's amazing how kids pray. James surprises me at what he thinks to pray for. He's so sincere. Cadie thanks God for Gunga every night. She says it's a bird, but I really don't know.
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