My sister Deanna called last Thursday to check in on me. I was downstairs in my office reviewing notes for my book signing talk called "Experiencing God's Greater Yes" at Epiphany Catholic church that evening. I heard my daughter pick up the phone from the kitchen.
When Maddi discovered who was on the line she exclaimed, "Auntie, I'm making a mess!"
I bolted upstairs to find Maddi on the floor with numerous paper towels diligently working to wipe up a large splat of glittery, non-water soluble, marker-tube paints--a gift from a very kind babysitter. Her efforts, however, were smearing the accurate description of the word "mess" into an even bigger issue.
I glanced over at Jordan who was nailing a picture he had designed into our living room wall. Quickly assessing the damage, I counted approximately ten nails.
"Jordan," Not even knowing where to begin, I said, "You need to ask permission before you use things such a tools in our house."
"I did," he replied, "I asked God and he said YES!"
How is a mom supposed to answer that?
My eyes glanced over at all the additional dents that had been made with each hammer stroke. I looked at my son and he looked at me almost like he was reading my mind and told me, "Oh, Mom, the dents aren't that bad are they? Just remember, God is in control!"
"Yes," I had to agree with my son. Digging deep for some mommy wisdom I added, "God also wants us to take care of and respect our property."
"Okay," Jordan nodded, "Can I have a second chance? Because God is the God of second chances."
He was making this harder and harder for me to discipline. Who knew Sunday school could work so well for rebuttals.
"Yes, Jordan," I said, "And, Mommy is the Mommy of second chances...not third or fourth or fifth ones!"
I looked over at his sister who had decided to use the very same alibi as her brother and without hesitation blurted in one breath, "I-painted-a-picture-for-Grandma-Bonnie-and-God-made-me-do-it!"
I thought about the talk I had yet to give that night. Wouldn't it be great if we could all experience God like children...in such vivid and real ways? Completely trusting and relying even in (especially in) the midst of a mess? Taking hold of our second chances for the greater yes God has in mind for us.
Your children are so beautiful, Jennifer...inside and out. Thank you for sharing their stories and yours. You continue to be an inspiration to me. I think of you often and pray for all of you. I know Shawn is proud of all that you are doing for your family and so many other lives that you continue to touch.
Fondly,
Alison Overstreet
Posted by: Alison Overstreet | June 24, 2009 at 09:51 PM
Hello! I have just come across you site today and I am so grateful God has led me to your writing. I am 32 years old and my husband just passed away in January 2009 in a vehicular accident. I am still battling with my own grief and is confronted with dealing with our only 3-year old daughter. Your posts encourages me so much and just in time because I just started working on a blog the other day!
I hope to get a copy of your book and be blessed as i also strive to be a blessing.
Kathyrence Patinga-Academia
Posted by: Kathyrence Patinga-Academia | June 23, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Thanks for sharing photos of Maddi and Jordan...I always look forward to posts about their most recent adventures!
Posted by: Sara H | June 19, 2009 at 07:27 PM
I miss seeing your kids at the Y!
Steph Odegaard brought me to your book signing last Thursday. She thought it was a better alternative to the 'wallowing in self pity' that I had planned on for the evening.
Thank you.
Not only are you incredibly talented, you speak (and write) profound truth. Thank you, really, for your willingness to let God use you in this way.
Blessings,
Bonny Clark
Posted by: Bonny | June 17, 2009 at 09:38 PM