Pillow Talk: Keeping Communication Lines Open

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 NIV

It started quite innocently when they were toddlers and fast became our nightly ritual. We'd split up between our son and daughter, alternating every other night, with books and then a cuddle before the lights went out. Inevitably, our children's bodies quieted, but their little minds raced with all the questions they'd stored up during their busy day. They'd ask questions like: Who made all the stars? Why can't we see the wind? How do fireflies glow?

Oh, they had great questions that allowed for some important pillow talk conversations and teachable moments!

(Bring your pillows and tip toe over to Christian Children's Authors blog for the rest of the story...)

How Do You Make God Real?

“May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.” Psalm 90:16

We snuggled there in the dark gazing at the stars through his open window. Breathing in his little boy scent, wondering how many more nights of after dark cuddling were left between us, his profound question interrupted my thoughts.

“Who made the stars?”

{For the rest of the story, join me over at Christian Children's Authors blog today. And while you're there? Feel free to puruse my colleagues' articles. They offer such wisdom for families.}

Teachable Moments: Lost & Found Bunny

My daughter’s independence-driven, unsupervised bedtime routine went smoothly.

Bath? Done. Jammies? Check. Bedtime snack? Finished. She even helped herself to a drink from the refrigerator without spilling!
 
Marching proudly upstairs to bed she climbed under the covers. I settled in next to her and started reading from Little House on the Prairie when suddenly, panic rolled over her little face.

 "My bunny! Bunny is gone!" she cried with big tears rolling down her little pink cheeks.

"Where is she?" I asked.

"I don't know. She's just gone!" she sobbed.

Calling for bunny like she was a beloved family pet, our family’s frantic search began.

We searched the bathroom, under the bed, the closet, her dresser, laundry piles, behind the couch, and even in the garbage. EVERYWHERE! No Bunny.

 "Oh, dear God please help us find Bunny! Please!" I prayed.

"Did you have Bunny when you poured yourself a drink?" I asked. 

She thought a minute and shook her head "yes" and flung open the refrigerator door.

Bunny sat chillin’ on the top shelf next to the juice carton staring back at her with a frozen smile.
 
“You silly little bunny!” she exclaimed snatching lost-and-found Bunny off the shelf.

I’m especially fond of this memory because God taught our family three things:
No concern is too small for God. Although our children feel small, they need to know that if something’s important to them, it's important to God, too.

God shows up ̶ present and alive–when we call on His name. Teaching our children to pray, even in the small things, allows them to see God at work in their lives.

When we’re lost, God stops everything to look for us. Seizing these teachable moments helps children tangibly grasp God’s love for them.

(I'm blog hopping today at Christian Children's Authors, so please click here to read more posts by other authors).