July 19

My home has a night routine. First, our toddler gets a bath. Then, we ask if she’s hungry again. If so, it’s “second dinner.” (How do people who are so small eat so much?!) Next, it’s time to brush teeth. After that, all three of us pray together. Finally, milk and cuddles (which currently entails a few “Frog and Toad” stories).

The best part? The prayer. And while I’d like to think my prayers do an adequate job, and my wife knocks them out of the park, every few nights, Georgiana decides she wants to lead. It blows us away every time.

Here is a recreation: “Uh. Thank you for Mommy. Daddy. Ahmee (Grandma Linda). Thank you for Gramma Sue. Frog. Toad. Big bed. Mot (milk). Thank you for toast…” This goes on for about three more paragraphs. And we let her go. It seems nothing escapes her gratitude. SHE JUST TURNED THREE!

Today’s second reading says, “we do not know how to pray as we ought.” I wonder if that was written for adults, because my little toddler who still struggles to pronounce the letter “K” absolutes nails prayer.

Nothing escapes her gratitude. She isn’t rushed because she is worried she might be going on too long. She doesn’t ask for much, because she can’t even fathom her needs won’t be met. It convicts me every single solitary time.

In this crazy time that will probably end up in history books throughout the world, I think it might be a good time for us all to follow in my little girl’s adorable teensy weensy footsteps.

Consider taking out a pen and a some paper—or open a new document on your computer—and challenge yourself to keep writing things you are grateful for until A) You run out of ideas. B) You fall asleep. C) Someone else makes you stop. Do the sign of the cross before you begin and make it a prayer. Don’t worry about what you need. Toss your needs into another prayer. Oh! And let me know what this does for you...

Questions? Comments? Email David at dlins@oloj.org.