Remember last month I shared how taking away an eleven year old’s smart phone could enhance her spiritual life? Well, today’s story is the sequel.
Jo continued to be in a talkative mood on the ride home from Caitlyn’s, and soon after her revelation about talking to God, she blurted out, “You know Mom, I think I understand why God tells us to praise Him all the time.”
I listened in disbelief and great joy. “Why does He say that, Jo?” I asked my budding theologian. “Well, Mom He wants us to realize that no matter how bad things get, they could always be worse. Take for example yesterday when Caitlyn’s head collided with my tooth (where does she get this vocabulary?). It really hurt. But then I thought, thank God my tooth didn’t get knocked out! See Mom, it can always be worse. So we really can praise God in every situation just like He tells us to.”
I marveled at the openness of an eleven year old to the wisdom of God. My little girl had expanded on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”) in a simple yet profound way, and I could tell the impact would last a lifetime - mine. It was truly a sweet time in the car that evening with Jesus and my Jo. I was gently reminded about how God blesses childlike faith.
What’s your perspective on your challenges today? Can you open your heart like a trusting child and see things from your Father’s viewpoint? Ask Him to help you. I promise, He will.
