A new chapter begins in our house...literally. The repeat stage of a toddler learning to talk. "Cereal!" "Car!" "Airpwane!" "Ye-s!" "No-No-No!" "Mine!" "Idea?" "Okay!" "There!" And yes, pretty much all of the words are said in exclamation. And then there's my personal favorite: "Church!" And then, of course, there's the baby's first that made her parents look wide-eyed at the other one with a "who dunnit?" stare: "Shoot!" (Thankfully, yes, it was only a 5-letter word THIS time...).
As one of our Glenn church family titles every Facebook post of their child, "Little Love Sponge," it really is amazing how much children of all ages and developmental stages absorb from us. Whether they are non-verbal mimics of our everyday habits, our facial expressions, or our words themselves, as we all know, children really are sponges.
So these days, you'll find the Pinson family remembering much more to bow our heads, clasp our hands, and say a mealtime blessing. We are much more regular about giving goodbye hugs and kisses in the morning now that we have a pint-size reminder to scream "kiss!" even on days when we are feeling more affectionate toward our caffeine-laden cup than our spouse. We are paying much more attention to the music on the radio in the car and to the news and commercials that we used to mindlessly have on in the background of our lives. What used to be the background noise of life is now the focal point of our "little love sponge."
And I am humbly reminded that YOUR children are watching me every time they come to Glenn Church - or run into me while they are giggling down the hallway on days at Glenn School or Glenn After School. It is my hope and prayer that each of us will soak up from our Heavenly Parent all the good that God offers us - the words, the music, the prayers, the hugs and kisses - and pass them on to all of the precious children in our midst. And if you've found yourself with a bad day where you're exclaiming, "shoot!"...no worries. In the words of my little one you can always try "again! again!".
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. Colossians 3:16 (NRSV)
Grace and Peace,
Susan
