Thursday, June 08, 2006

Secrets and Prayers

The other night, as with most nights, I was helping Abby get ready for bed. We were in the bathroom washing up and brushing teeth when she asked me is she could sleep in my bed because hers was "too cold". Now "too cold" is an excuse she uses for many things like when she doesn't want to wear the clothes I've picked out for her; "Oh Mom I can't wear those long johns, jeans and heavy fleece sweater, they're too cold." Or "I can't ride my bike down the trail on this beautiful warm spring day, it's too cold." Or "I can't stop watching Dora the Explorer to come and eat dinner it's too cold." You get the idea. So she wants to sleep in our bed and I'm fine with that once in a while plus I'll simply move her back to her own bed when Mike and I turn in for the night. "Okay that's fine, " I tell her," just don't tell your Dad, it's a secret." Now I don't normally encourage Abby to keep secrets from her father, but I was interested to see what she would do.

Upon completion of our pre-bedtime wash up she walked right out into the living room, stood in front of Mike and said: "Dad I'm going to sleep in your bed, but don't tell me because it's a secret. Okay Dad? Don't tell me."

Great! Remind me not to give her the combination to the wall safe.

So cut to Abby and I getting settled in our bed. We read some stories and had a snuggle, now it's time for prayers. Since Abby was about one I've recited the same prayer for her each and every night. We start with the traditional, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. Then we move on to asking God to bless our friends and family ending with special prayers. Now that Abby's getting older and is taking an active interest in Jesus (Mom, do you want to talk about Jesus? Mom, Jesus rode on a donkey. Mom, Jesus loves me. Are all things I hear pretty regularly) I have started asking her if she would like to say any special prayers herself.

Abby: Yes, a special prayer for honour.
Me Honour?
Abby: Yep.
Me: Who's honour?
Abby: I don't know. I'll find out tomorrow.

Where do they come up with this stuff?

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