Callie’s Birthday is July 14 and she is five years old.  We celebrated early one night last week at our home with Birthday cake and song.  The next night as we sat down for dinner, she wanted us all to sing “Happy Birthday” to her again.  Her Mom, Susan, said, ” Not now, but after the blessing we will sing.” Susan then asked who would like to give the blessing.  Callie immediately shouted, “ME!”

She likes to sing “Johnny Appleseed” for the blessing and her little brother, Travis, age 2, sings along with her.  He knows every word, but can’t quite keep up with her exuberant speed, so there is a bit of melody and mumbling coming from his end of the table as they sing the blessing together.

This particular time Callie changes the words up a little.  “Oh the Lord is good to me, and so I thank the Lord, for giving me the things I need….the sun, and rain, and the Birthday cake….”.  At this point Travis yells “NO!  THAT’S NOT RIGHT!”  She does not miss a beat, and keeps on singing, inserting the word “birthday” every chance she gets….”the Birthday Lord is good to me!”  Every time she inserts the word “birthday” Travis again yells, “NO!”  Every one of us around the table tries our best to keep a straight face. (It reminded me of the movie “Christmas Vacation” when Granny was asked to say the blessing and began, “I pledge allegiance to the flag…”).  I must admit I peeked during all of this to see how my daughter was reacting.  She kept her eyes closed and her hands reverently folded in prayer, a gentle, growing smile on her face.  Then at the loud “AMEN!”, Susan looked up at me with a big smile, a knowing glance, and not a word.  We all proceeded to sing “Happy Birthday” to Callie.

Some thoughts to ponder…..

What is most important about prayer….the words we say?, the attitude in which we pray?, being willing and unafraid to do it?

How quickly do we react to judge the religious expression of others?  What is acceptable in God’s sight?

How would God be reacting to this prayer…..wanting to teach how to pray?, thinking someone really gets it about the joy of BIRTH days?, smiling at the whole dinner scene?, laughing out loud?

Remembering the words of Jesus…”Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18: 15-17).   How can you and I become more like children?

nk