We haven’t had Internet for a few days following a small black-out and I am very relieved to be connected once again without having to deal with the French telecommunications bureaucracy.
On Friday nights we usually have a Bible discussion group at our place with a short discussion followed by a yummy meal (everyone brings something and we have some really good chefs in our group). The kids eat first and then play downstairs together afterwards.
On this particular Friday the kids came upstairs in full costume towards the end of the evening and announced they had a “spectacle” for us. This means a theatre piece. We tried to demure, saying it was after ten and really time to be getting everyone to bed, but they insisted. So we agreed to suffer through it.
But it was so long and directionless we soon lost interest and started talking amongst ourselves again, doting parents that we are. That led to tears and forceful removal, either directly into bed or into the respective cars, accompanied by loud wails (at least by our three).
Young Lady and Young Knight were trying to impress upon me how unjust it was that we didn’t even listen to their entire performance when I said impatiently, “You know if you want us to listen you at least need a plot. All you did was dance around and holler, and it was boring.”
Sir was much more diplomatic, and after to listening to three weepy-voiced complaints, he explained to them that we had tried to tell them it was too late for a spectacle but since they insisted we went ahead with it. When it started to get too long we needed to cut it short, and if they really wanted us to see the whole thing they needed to choose a more auspicious moment.
(Just so you know, I made up for my hard heart and cruel words by listening to two coffee breaks worth of spectacles the following day, including a soliloquy).
Afterwards Sir went in to pray with Juliet and her prayer went something like this:
“God, thank you for this … not so great day. Thank you for joy; thank you for sadness.
Thank you for You, the King of Kings. Thank you for the Cross.
Thank you for my parents even though they’re annoying sometimes.”
Sir laughed.
“What?” she said with wide eyes. “Sometimes we’re annoying, but sometimes you’re annoying too.”
And then she concluded, “In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”
My first thought was wow! – this kid really gets what it’s all about (thank you for joy, thank you for sadness), and way better than her annoying parents.
My second thought was, who’s coaching her on the side?
She’s rather clever, isn’t she, your young lady?
What a lovely little girl and, how wise, appreciative AND honest she is.
Oh, she is very wise! I wish I could have a heart that could simply give thanks for both things as well. (And be still and bite my tongue when my kids finally can articulate when they find me annoying instead of just stomping around the house.)
Oh I had a good chuckle. She is so cute and so smart. I think it’s great that they said that they were unhappy with what happened that day. When I was little I wouldn’t dare. Shows me that you have a wonderful open relationship.
She’s so smart. She knows how to be honest too! I love that.
Cute pictures too!!
I wish I could pray at all times with such humility, clarity and gratitude.
(But I know what you mean about the kid impromptu theater pieces – it’s hard sometimes not to shout out suggestions about where the plot could go…)
I just learned so much from Juiet! When my kids pray it’s all about the positive things… but I think we’ll also pray about the sad things and still be thankful. Thanks, Juliet!
I love this prayer. I remind myself often that I’m annoying and confusing to my kids as much as (more than?) they can be to me. Poor things. Haha.
I love her prayer. JDaniel always thanks God for the things he didn’t get to do and hopes to tomorrow.
Your kid is deep. Mine probably would have been praying to God to poke my eyes out since I didn’t watch her play.
lovely, apt prayer. xo
Oh, she is a wise soul. What we learn from our kids. . . .
Oh she is a smart one. I love it! (And I love that you say it like it is…and are teaching her well) xo
Oh, that’s so very wise of her! I still have trouble with that concept sometimes.
Love your wise, sweet girl!
And ohmygoodness, love that she was thankful for the not so great day!
Awe, sweetness!!! I just love your writing, my friend. Delightful. Real. And full of heart. I am smiling here, on the inside, and out! Hugs.