The Things Kids Say...

We all have our stories, some mamas are better than others at writing them down. I'm one of those who was quite faithful about scribbling down every little thing Lyssa said or did for about a year and a half. Since then, I have found the spaces between scribbles growing infinitely larger until now I honestly can't remember where my scribbles are. Rather than dig around for my little notebook of Lyssa "isms", I prefer today to start sharing them with those of you who may also enjoy hearing them.
Our bedtime routine has morphed into this regimen: P.J.s on, teeth brushed, stories (read or told), and some singing followed by a prayer. Lately we've been singing songs out of "My Sing-Along Bible" and sometimes read the passage that goes with the song. I am forever underestimating my precious two year old, wise beyond her years! One night after singing "Jesus Loves Me", Lyssa looked up at me and said, "Mama, can we talk about Jesus?". I asked her what she would like to talk about, and she replied, "How he died". First of all, I love this new way she has discovered to ask us questions. We know if she wants to "talk" about something, she is really wanting a deeper understanding of it. I smiled and explained how Jesus was an amazing teacher and taught people how to love and share and help each other. Then I told her how some bad people wanted him to only help them and give them everything they wanted. When Jesus showed them he was not going to do what they wanted, they killed him on a cross. (You have to know how wide her eyes were, in utter fascination at this point.) I went on to say that the most amazing thing about how Jesus died, is that he didn't stay dead! God raised him from the dead to show us that death isn't the end! Jesus is alive and with us every day! (Her eyes huge and her smile wider...) "Mama, will you sing the 'Bird Song'?" "Flee as a Bird..." I sing over her, thinking she'll blissfully fall asleep. When the song is over she asks once more, "Mama can you talk about Jesus?" I think to myself, "Man is she stalling tonight..." but out of her lips come, " 'bout that song." I'm paralyzed with the lump in my throat. She knows this song is about HIM... I tell her how we are like the bird. We can fly to him, our home, our nest in the safe mountain where he will protect US, shelter US from scary dreams, feelings of regret and hurt. (Could her face be any brighter?!) "Okay, you can go now." she states as she rolls over on her side, eyes closed, smile lingering... I am dismissed.

Happy Fall!!