Why we learn the Good Stuff from Kids

Every night we have the same bedtime ritual.   He crawls under his covers and we talk for a bit and then I ask, "Ok, let's talk to Jesus.   What do you want to Thank Him for tonight?"  or "What would you like to tell Him?"  And Matt the Great, my middle boy, always says something like...

"Dear Jesus, I hope I have a good night's sleep....." followed by other requests or concerns of his fully 7 (and three-quarters as he would tell you) year old heart.

Last night I asked him the same question and this is what he said.

"Dear Jesus, thank you for the fireworks that we could see tonight from our front porch.  They were really nice! Thank you for letting us watch them...."

And I suddenly remembered the distance fireworks that we indeed could see from more than 5 miles distance.  Yes they were beautiful.  Yes... they were special, because after all, they were fireworks.  But did "I," mommy to Matt the Great, even consider THANKING God for letting us see them?  No.  Sadly...no. 

As I left the room, I did some thinking.   I started to consider all of the special every day things that I see and smile about but rarely think to thank my Father in Heaven for sending my way.   Like the gorgeous red cardinal that landed just outside my bedroom window for more than a moment and stared in our direction.   It was stunning.  And I loved it.  But I didn't thank God.   

And what about the soft Caribbean guitar music I found and totally enjoyed throughout my outdoor lunch with my family in the afternoon.  LOVED it.  But didn't thank Him for it.   Or the green grass playtime that I shared with baby Jack in the late afternoon sunshine.   Didn't thank Him for it one bit.

I realize that even in this moment, I am forgetting the smallest of things in my day already.  Things that have been sent my way by the goodness of a big Dad in Heaven who sent them to me because He fully loves me!  And yet, while I loved them...I didn't quite get around to saying thank you.  In some cases, I didn't even notice.

I have much to be grateful for and much I should say.   So, let me begin by saying this:

"Father, thank you so much for Matt, who once again has taught me much...in this case, that I lack gratitude for loads of little things you've done for me.  Thank you for caring enough to point that out to me through a little child...my child."

(learning....truly learning, but so not there yet)