K's "Storey" Book

I was reminded again today that I totally underestimate the ability of children to grasp deep concepts sometimes. I am blown away when God gives me glimpses of how very much He is at work in their hearts and lives.

A few weeks ago our former sitter (who is now living in Atlanta while she waits on an international youth ministry assignment) came to town to attend the children's school holiday program. As she was leaving she gave them each a gift bag containing a handmade sketchbook/ journal.

The covers were each tailored to the children's favorite/signature color and the first page of each contained a precious handwritten note.


The children oohed and aahed over them and then (as often happens with 5 year olds) they were set aside in lieu of flashier Christmas gifts. Until today...

K came home from school on a mission. She went straight to her special cabinet, pulled out her "Storey book" and a bucket of markers and set to work.
I was unpacking lunchboxes and putting away groceries, so I did not really know what she was drawing until she called me over to show me. "This is me and the brothers when we are all grown up and in heaven. Do you see our mouths? We are singing to the Lord." (Note to self: Little people have big ears...I have never expressly had this type of conversation with her. She has simply heard it along the way.)

Amazed (and blessed) I went back to work unpacking things in the kitchen. A few minutes later she summoned me back over to the table to unveil her portraits of Daddy & me as angels in heaven.
Through giggles she also showed me our cat and dog with wings. (I am sorry, but the four brown dog legs complete with claws almost did me in.)

Then she set to work on Jesus and God. (Jesus seems to have taken on some duck-like features.)

Then she turned back to the front to review Storey's inscription.

"Mama, can I write the prayer I really like to sing?" (She started on the right page and ran out of room...)

He (Jesus) said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Mark 10:14-15 NIV