Snapshots of the Heart ~ Prayerfulness

Standing at the glass door, Lydia clings to my leg.  With her free hand she scribbles in the mist forming on the inside of the glass.  An arctic gust whistles under the door.

"What are you doing, Mommy?"

"I'm waiting for the kids to head off to school."

Our neighbors are this morning's "bus" to school.  I can't see them loading up in the driveway next door, but I haven't seen them leave the culdesac, so I know they're still there.

"What are we going to do now?"

My mind flitters back to the kitchen and the sink full of breakfast dishes.  The thump-thump-thump from the dryer reminds me I am 1/5 of the way through my loads of laundry.  Baby S squeals from her spot on her pink, fleecy blanket.  It's a happy sound ... with a touch of the fussies coming on.  It's almost time for her nap.  I look down at Liddy, still in her pj's, and with one hand still clutching my work-out pants.  A shower is a must this morning.

"Uhm ... first we're going to pray."

"Huh?"

"Let's pray for the kids.  Want to?  Just a quick blessing.  Dear Jesus ..."

...."Amen."

"I pray!  I pray, too.  Thank you, Jesus, for today.  People not sad.  Amen."

"Amen.  Oh ... there they go.  Wave!  Love you, kiddos!  Now it's time to get you into some clothes!"

There is great comfort knowing that as my kids head off, whether it's to school, gymnastics, a friend's house or just out to the front yard, that Jesus is with them.  These few moments, standing at the front door, help me to remember that promise ... and help me to entrust them to His care.

Little popcorn prayers throughout the day are a simple way for me to acknowledge the sovereign hand of God in our lives.  And they are the little BIG ways to instill in my kids an understanding of the comfort and power of prayer.

Because God is listening.

"Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by 

prayerfulness, that they may learn to pray in the Spirit 

on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." 

 Ephesians 6:18