Having finished our picnic this afternoon, my daughters and I were enjoying time together as we admired the beauty of the northern Atlantic.  The water sparkled like diamonds and the sun’s rays made the cool breeze feel like a kiss on the cheek.  (To be honest, the sun radiating on my back pockets felt like a very warm peck on the cheeks.)   We had perfect seats, directly behind two of my grandchildren, who are 2 and 3 years old.  We were out of their sight, so they were uninhibited by our presence.  We noticed them as we heard singing. Our hearts were warmed as they loudly sang “Jesus Loves Me” and “You are My Sunshine.”  Then, they continued talking, having a great time.  They talked about why they love Jesus.  And then part of their conversation went like this.

Lexi:  “You know, Jesus is sad when you are sad.  What makes you sad, Micah?”

Micah:  “I’m sad when I have to take nappies.”

Lexi:  “So why are you sad when you have to take nappies?”

(Couldn’t hear Micah’s response to “the counselor”)

Lexi:  “OK, so now we can pray about it.”

And then they both folded their hands and prayed.   I couldn’t hear it all, but  the prayer included many things they were thankful for –  including the beauty of the place, the warmth, cats and dogs, “persons and kids,”… and much more.

Seriously, it was beyond precious.  I felt like life could not get much better than that moment as I admired the spectacular setting of God’s creation and listened to my grandchildren express their love for him and to him.  Sometimes, all that seems fitting is praise.

Psalm 8:1-9

For the director of music. According to gittith. A psalm of David.

O Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory

above the heavens.

[2] From the lips of children and infants

you have ordained praise

because of your enemies,

to silence the foe and the avenger.

[3] When I consider your heavens,

the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

which you have set in place,

[4] what is man that you are mindful of him,

the son of man that you care for him?

[5] You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings

and crowned him with glory and honor.

[6] You made him ruler over the works of your hands;

you put everything under his feet:

[7] all flocks and herds,

and the beasts of the field,

[8] the birds of the air,

and the fish of the sea,

all that swim the paths of the seas.

[9] O Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

I learned from these two children a bit more of what Jesus meant when he called us to become like little children.  I was reminded that gratitude and praise should just be normal conversation; that often talking about God’s truly awesome attributes (as shown by Jesus ) is all that needs to be said; that when we think about what is true, noble, right lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Philip. 4:8) joy exudes from within; and  that singing and praying is what comes out of a heart in tune to God’s love.  Thanks Lexi and Micah for reminding me of the power of gratitude and praise. Try it and see if it doesn’t help point you in a good and right direction.