What Children Remind us of . . .

Last week my wife was at the kitchen table putting together a list for groceries that we needed and thought she would ask the kids whether we needed anything at the store.

Do you know what it sounds like when popcorn starts to pop - one pop . . . then two . . . then three in a row . . . ?  That's what it sounded like coming from the next room:

"Candy."

"Donuts."   "Ice Cream!"

"Green beans for Aedan."

She should have known better to ask kids what to get at the store.  A flurry of giggles and random non-nutritious ideas popped furiously through the doorway and then a pause . . .

"Tyler broke my ribcage."

I just laughed inside - so grateful that our lives are punctuated by such random little beasts.  There is so much that they give to us and don't even know it.  That is why it is gratifying to be able to provide for them when they need it most.  Last night Aedan came into our bedroom late at night and looked so nervous. I told him to come over and tell me what the problem was.  It was more like, "Aedan . . . WHAT is the PROBLEM?"  Let's face it, no one likes to be awakened in the middle of the night.

He said, "I'm scared." So I asked him, "scared of what?"
And he said, "I don't know . . ."

It was then I knew that words were not the thing, I pulled him into bed and winged the covers over him and felt his little heart slow down.  All he needed was another person there with him in the middle of his fear.  I was so glad to be there for him - reassurance that someone else was awake and watching over you is a great comfort.

I love how kids remind us that in the midst of our chaotic and sometimes fearful lives, all we need is the subjective and un-provable (but very soothing) presence of our Father.  Someone whose presence we can feel in the middle of the night, when all we need is someone who is awake and watching over us.