Gardner’s always been chock-full of questions. Questions of all kinds….from “How does the water get to our faucet?” to “Can we go play in that big playground at Chik-fil-a?” to “How does a circuit breaker work?”
See? Some are much easier to answer than others.
The question he’s fixated on lately has been significantly more abstract.
Gardner has seemingly suddenly become timid at bedtime and admitting to fears of being alone in his room while he sleeps. This has only just now shown up, and for that, I’m grateful….but immediately I began seeking out a way to handle it that would serve as a theology tie-in that our little one could learn and chew on.
As a girl, I began fearing bedtime when I was about four, as well. I can remember my mom and dad doing two things. They taught me to memorize and repeat Psalm 56:3: “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” They also bought me a little Bible school glow-in-the-dark plastic cross that I placed on my nightstand. I remember waking up many a night after a bad dream and seeing that white cross sitting there. Immediately that verse was brought to mind and I rolled over and went back to sleep.
Two nights ago, G’s pleas for reassurance were especially strong. I prayed again with him, then shared Psalm 56:3 with his little ears. He repeated it slowly and carefully, not wanting to leave out any of it. He called me in his room twice more to tell it to him again so he wouldn’t forget.
“Mama?” He said quietly from his little pillow. “But how can God hear me pray and help me not be scared anymore if I can’t see Him? How do I know he’s in here with me?”
Wow.
Theological proddings from a 3-1/2-year-old.
What commenced was a very basic lesson on faith vs. things seen. Questions still arose, and have come up again since then, but I feel as if I have started on something. I will keep praying for him and giving him what I can, and I am trusting God to continue to prod his little heart and open it up to believing in Him.
Last night, I dropped off the kids at their grandparent’s house before we had our home group over for dinner. I checked to make sure G’s PJs and toothbrush were in his bag….as well as the Post-It note with Psalm 56:3 written out on it, per his request. He spotted the note, snatched it off of the bag, and ran past Grandmama while telling her, “Here’s my card to tell me what to say when I’m scared at night. I’m gonna put it beside the bed where I sleep.”
Though it’s only a piece of paper, it has become so dear to him. And I know what that piece of paper represents. It represents the realness of God, the tangible presence of the Protector who watches over our little boy as he sleeps. One day, yes, one day, he will be able to grasp the finer concepts of believing in things unseen, and the whole thing about not literally seeing Him with human eyes but “being able to see Him work.” But for now, I am taking hold of the opportunity to teach his little heart Scripture that is pure, applicable, and so very real within his little world. It is a great beginning.
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Vanessa (3 years ago)
Wow! This is so cool. And, you are such a great mom.
Julie (3 years ago)
Have you heard of the nursery rhyme this way: “Ba Ba Black Sheep, Have you any FEAR? No sir, no sir, God is Here. He never slumbers, he never sleeps. God is watching over his sheep. Ba Ba Black Sheep have you any fear? No sir, no sir, God is HERE!” I also know a tune to Ps. 56.3, but doesn’t do you much good via the internet. :)