Last night, we had the privilege of sitting on the edge of Lake Ontario to watch the sunset.
I was sitting on the rocks with our five-year old, Jacob, and as we were staring at the water and out toward the horizon, he asked, “Mom, does the sun know how to breathe under water?”
For the next few minutes, I explained, in the way that I thought he would understand, how it just looks like the sun is going down into the water. Actually, it is really, really far away in the sky. I continued, using hand and arm gestures, to explain how the earth is round and turns and goes around the sun – how one part of the world sees the sun while the other side doesn’t, etc.
After my well-developed, child-friendly explanation, he sat silent for a few minutes. (I was sure he was soaking in all of the incredible, new information I had just given him.)
After his time of contemplation, he thoughtfully replied, “Well, I just hope it knows how to breath under water!”
(Psalm 127:3a) Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?
Your turn to share: What inspiring, thought-provoking statements have you heard from a child lately?
July 11, 2008 at 7:11 am
Yesterday my 5 year old, Greta, as we drove by a corn field, says “Mom, if we need corn, how about if we get some from here instead of going to the store?” I told her that would be stealing. She asked what stealing is, so I explained “Stealing is taking something that isn’t yours, without paying for it.” Greta paused for a moment and then asked “Then why is it there?”
July 11, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Both… Priceless. It is amazing what we learn about our children’s thought process when we actually slow down long enough to enjoy the time to watch a sun set and the corn grow with them. Many happy summer moments still to enjoy. Slow down!!!
July 11, 2008 at 9:21 pm
I want what Daddy wants
Kristin, When I read your darling account of the sunset(after chuckling)it made me think of this one my daughter had written on her website and I thought you’d enjoy it, too. I copied yours and sent it off to her as well. Thanks for sharing. What a blessing you are!
Judy
June 30th, 2008 by Carrie Mallinson, WEC missionary in Sydney, Australia
Out of the mouths of babes…
I love it when kids say stuff naturally as part of life that is a reflection of how God wants us to be. They make such teachable moments – both for kids as well as for us. After a night of camping away with Daddy and Linnhe, Daniel said to Geoff on the way home in the car, “Daddy, whatever you want, I want.”
As this was recounted at the dinner table, it struck me that this is just what God wants for us as our Heavenly Father. He wants us to want whatever He wants – “Your will be done, oh Lord.” We talked briefly about it at the table last night and discussed some of the things that God wants – for those who don’t know Him to know Him, being kind and caring with one another, respecting parents and others, etc. It was a lovely discussion.
But more than a discussion, it is also a prayer – that as a Mom, a wife, a child of God – that I would want what God wants, no more, no less. May God bless me with that attitude more and more every day.
July 12, 2008 at 9:35 pm
I love your sunset picture and this story is great. One of the stories that I remember from when my kids were small is the excitement that Brett had one Sunday after Sunday School, when he told us with great animation, “I’ve got a quarter!” “Where did you get it?” we asked. “Well, you gave it to me for the offering, only I didn’t offer it!” was his reply. We laughed, of course, and then talked about what it means to give an offering to the Lord. But when I really think about that story, I realize that we so often do the same thing to God. He gives us gifts to offer back to Him, and we don’t offer them, preferring to keep them to ourselves.
July 13, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Christian was at my parent’s house this past week while Phill and I were working. One day he did a lot of outside work with my mom and then their neighbor came over to work on expanding their driveway. He had a tractor he was using, and Christian is crazy about tractors, so of course he just had to help him! After working for a few hours doing hard labor and keeping up with “the boss,” he turned to the neighbor and said, “Hey, I’ve been doing a lot of hard work here with you today, so I think you should pay me.” The neighbor just looked at him (without trying to laugh) and told him he has been a great help and if he continues to do a good job until they’re done, he would pay him. At the end of the day, he gave Christian $.25. Christian was thrilled and thought he had won the lottery!!
When I saw the neighbor in the evening while I was picking Christian up, I asked him if he was aware of the child labor laws!! What a little entrepreneur I have!!
July 13, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Thanks for the great sun story! Here are a couple recent stories from our littlest princess, Alena, who will soon be 3.
She accused her older sister Marissa of hitting her. Marissa promptly denied it. My husband J.R. turned to Alena and said, “Alena, you’re not telling the truth. You’re lying.”
She promptly retorted, “I’m not a lion. I’m a princess!”
Two days later she woke up early with a scratchy voice. I said, “Alena, you’re a little hoarse today.” (And you all can guess her response.)
“I’m not a horse! I’m a princess!”
So, whatever lies Satan tries to tell you today, just remember that you’re a daughter of God and respond with, “I’m not that! I’m a princess!”
July 14, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Yesterday we were traveling home from the lake and passed a horse-drawn buggy. Kaitlyn was taken with the clothing of the children that were riding on the back of the buggy. I tried to explain that they dressed like people from long ago, like Little House on the Prairie. There was a pause, and then “If they lived long ago, then how come they’re still alive today?” So much for my explanation.
July 14, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Here is just a little diddy to add. My 6 year old daughter Tess had her Tonsils and Adenoids out on Friday and her cousin Ben who is the same age will be having his out next Friday. Tess refers to her Tonsils as Tinsels and Ben refers to his Adenoids as Headnoids. Needless to say our family has had and will have our share of Tinsel and Headnoid Surgery
The great thing is, no matter how many times we correct them it still remains Headnoids and Tinsels. It seems to make sense to them and I guess that’s all that matters. What sweet innocence!
August 2, 2008 at 2:38 pm
My son Jack, when he was 3,(now 4 1/2) asked me “Who took care of me when you were a kid?” I explained that he wasn’t born yet. Same question again. I gave the same explanation. The third time, “No Mommy, but who took care of me when you were a kid?” I said, “Grandma did.” And he was satisfied with that explanation.
May 24, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Beautiful image and story, brought a laugh and smile into my life. Thanks!