This morning I learned something about the Kingdom in an unexpected way. A “sliver of glory” that I almost missed.
Let me paint the picture just a little. For those who don’t know, we have three beautiful gifts from God…Avery (6), Aidan (4), and Addie (2 ½ ). They are all very unique and special in their own way (I recognize every parent thinks this, but for the sake of conversation allow me a little self-indulgence). Of the three, Addie is by far and way the most expressive and energetic. She lives life a like freshly opened bottle of coke after it’s been shaken. But this morning, there was a different countenance to her. Slightly more subdued, but more focused. I would soon understand why.
All she wanted was my undivided attention, me all to her. Tracie and I just this weekend moved the kitchen play set from the basement into her room and she wanted to make me breakfast. To my shame, at first, I was not real receptive. The day’s “to-do list” was calling and the half the morning was already gone. Strangely, she seemed unfazed by the day’s burden; all that mattered to her was “making breakfast”. She grabbed my hand, led me into her room, and promptly sat me down on the bed. She then prepared for me a glorious feast of plastic cheese and sausage (no plate…just the food). What caught me first were her eyes, even as I think about now I’m overwhelmed by the sweet love I saw in those dark brown eyes. She asked me if I wanted my sausage to be “heated up” (her playset has a microwave). I said of course. She took it, placed in her microwave, pretended to push the buttons, and came back smiling. We sat and talked and ate for a little while. It has been one of the most “spiritual” experiences I’ve had in a long while. I just felt waves of God’s love wash over me. For the first time in a long time I recognized life for what it is…A GIFT! Not to be dissected and figured out, but simply to be enjoyed.
I have a fresh set of eyes today, thanks to God’s intervention in my morning through Addie. He’s made things simpler, not easier, just more focused. The people in our lives need us to be present with them, and more importantly God desires to be present with us. Today, I’m choosing to be present in each moment…a lesson I learned the deep brown eyes of a little girl named Addie.
Let me paint the picture just a little. For those who don’t know, we have three beautiful gifts from God…Avery (6), Aidan (4), and Addie (2 ½ ). They are all very unique and special in their own way (I recognize every parent thinks this, but for the sake of conversation allow me a little self-indulgence). Of the three, Addie is by far and way the most expressive and energetic. She lives life a like freshly opened bottle of coke after it’s been shaken. But this morning, there was a different countenance to her. Slightly more subdued, but more focused. I would soon understand why.
All she wanted was my undivided attention, me all to her. Tracie and I just this weekend moved the kitchen play set from the basement into her room and she wanted to make me breakfast. To my shame, at first, I was not real receptive. The day’s “to-do list” was calling and the half the morning was already gone. Strangely, she seemed unfazed by the day’s burden; all that mattered to her was “making breakfast”. She grabbed my hand, led me into her room, and promptly sat me down on the bed. She then prepared for me a glorious feast of plastic cheese and sausage (no plate…just the food). What caught me first were her eyes, even as I think about now I’m overwhelmed by the sweet love I saw in those dark brown eyes. She asked me if I wanted my sausage to be “heated up” (her playset has a microwave). I said of course. She took it, placed in her microwave, pretended to push the buttons, and came back smiling. We sat and talked and ate for a little while. It has been one of the most “spiritual” experiences I’ve had in a long while. I just felt waves of God’s love wash over me. For the first time in a long time I recognized life for what it is…A GIFT! Not to be dissected and figured out, but simply to be enjoyed.
I have a fresh set of eyes today, thanks to God’s intervention in my morning through Addie. He’s made things simpler, not easier, just more focused. The people in our lives need us to be present with them, and more importantly God desires to be present with us. Today, I’m choosing to be present in each moment…a lesson I learned the deep brown eyes of a little girl named Addie.
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