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I have always loved having kids in my car. Put a kid, or a group of kids, in a car and you are sure to have the most meaningful conversation.

When my own children were growing up, I would volunteer to carpool, drive for field trips or sports games. Tiring at times? Yes. But the funniest and most memorable conversations were always had right inside the car.

Jocelyn goes to preschool two mornings a week. I am the fortunate person who gets to pick her up right after noon time. It is in the short ride home that I learn the letter of the week and the sounds it makes, who was naughty (when it is herself, it sort of sounds like a confession), how many times she went potty or not, what everyone had for lunch, and get asked the most random questions. Last week I was informed ….

“I love, love, love __________ {{insert a boy’s name there}}”.

Dread filled me as surely interest in boys could not possible begin at the age of three. Could it?

Seems the little boy had been missing from class since Christmas. He had been in a foreign country and had to stay there for several unexpected reasons. Faithfully, two times a week since Christmas vacation, Jocelyn had informed me that he had not yet returned. I began to realize this was something which weighed on her mind. Her friend was missing from their class.

The reason she was professing her “love” for him during the ride home was because he had finally returned to class.

It has intrigued me the depth of connection even three year olds can make with one another. Jocelyn’s sense of routine and comfort in her classroom derived from everyone being present and accounted for. Her relief and joy was evident when her friend returned.

“Do not be mislead: Bad company corrupts good character.”
(1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV)

“A friend loves at all times…” (Proverbs 17:17, NIV)

And so today:

Dear Lord, I pray for my grandchildren and the friends they will make in life. Give them friends of diversity to grow them to love all people. Bring friends who will love them and encourage them, who fill their days with fun and laughter and also support when life may be difficult. Help them to pick friends wisely. Give them eyes to see when they should avoid activities that would take them away from You or develop harmful patterns in relationships. Fill their lives with good, caring, and above all, godly friendships. And grow them to be that friend for others. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

 

Today I am joining … Playdates With God and Sharing His Beauty and Inspire Me Monday and #SmallWonder .