'Unless you become as little children …" (Matthew: 18-4) There are many avenues to becoming like little children, but for me the best way is to be with them. I am sure that is why Jesus encouraged the apostles to let them come near. I am fortunate to still have granddaughters that want to come to grandma's house for a sleepover. We have many activities including making cookies, going to the park, walking in the woods, bike riding, along with going out for ice-cream or sweet potato fries to name a few. These ventures also lend themselves to time for talk and the usual, "why" questions. On one such occasion, the youngest 7 year old Emery, asked, "Why do you always say that gramma?" To which I replied, "Say what?" You always say, "Oh Lord!" I had to stop and think and I realized that instead of just a sigh, I would say "Oh Lord" out loud. So I told her that I was saying a prayer. She stopped and thought about that to which she asked again, "Where is the rest of the prayer?" Now I had to really think. "In my heart," I said, "God knows the rest." She was satisfied. I was informed that for the rest of the week, Emery kept walking around the house saying. "Oh Lord!"
I have become much more aware of my sigh as a prayer and lift the situation to God. Thank you God for children. When was the last time you enjoyed being with young children? Blessings await!
Helen Bonyai
CSJ Associate