At first, I was just so touched and grateful to see that, but then shortly afterward wondered what I would tell him if it didn't happen.
We were in Colorado and had met some kids just up the road from our mountain campsite two days before but weren't certain if they would be able to play again before we left. So Brady prayed, "Dear God, please let the kids come out."
I quickly told him that God answers our prayers if He can and if it's best for us and for others, that maybe they had to go somewhere or maybe we needed to spend alone time as a family. We don't always know all the things that God has to consider.
It's another one of those difficult things to teach: Disappointment is a fact of life, but if you can still have hope you will be so much better off.
As he stood looking up the road longingly, I hoped so much for him. He finally went off and played, content in his prayer, thank goodness.
About 30 minutes later one of the kids came down and we were so joyous! And shortly after that, his grandmother came down to invite us up for a play-date that night. His prayer was answered! We thanked God and reveled in the joy of it.
Not all his prayers in life may be answered, but we'll never forget this time that they were.
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What a great example of prayer answering. It's never too early to teach the importance of prayer. Although my 17 month old doesn't understand, we say a short prayer every night together before she goes to sleep. My mother would always tell me "train up a child in the way he should go, so when he/she's old they'll not depart from it".
ReplyDeleteIt's the first example of him giving something to God and letting it go. Wow. I still struggle with that even as an adult.
Deleteaww so sweet. :)
ReplyDelete:) The earnestness and hope of a child
DeleteYes, God heard his prayer! I know it's challenging, though, to try and teach patience/thanksgiving when the prayer isn't answered in the way you want (even adults like me still struggle with that one!)
ReplyDeleteSometimes what we want isn't what's best :) That's a tough one!
DeleteJesus said to 'have faith like a child' and how sweet it is to see it lived out! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSuch pure faith is beautiful. There are days I struggle with it, but seeing him embrace it makes me feel so good.
DeleteI'm amazed that he watches what I do and then does it himself. Such a HUGE responsibility. I just have to remember to pray outloud more and keep reinforcing it.
ReplyDelete