Thinkin' about Jesus

Ever since she could understand, we've been telling Hope bits and pieces about who Jesus is, why he is special, and what he means to us. Obviously I hope her understanding grows, but I know that even now she truly grasps a lot of what she's hearing. And I love that she credits God for making the world, helping people, and changing people's hearts.

But occasionally she'll say something innocent that's just funny. For instance, lately she's very curious about the concept that God always hears us when we talk to him. More than once, when we're in the car and it's quiet, I'll hear her whisper "Hellllloooooo God." Then, "Mom, did he hear me?!" Or today I heard, "Thank you, God, for making the world. [Pause] Did he hear me?!"

Sometimes she's just being silly, like last week when Grandma was tickling her. Hope was laughing as Grandma tickled her neck, feet, and ribs. Then she shrieked, "That's my heart! You're tickling Jesus!"

And sometimes the concepts are just beyond her. Whenever Daddy tucks her in, he sings Amazing Grace. And it used to be that she always stopped him to ask about the "snares." He explained it in ways she'd understand, relating it to books and movies she'd seen. Now, whenever the song is sung, she asks to skip ahead to the "bear trap part."

And no discussion of Hope's budding relationship with God would be complete without sharing her favorite new prayer: "God is good, God is great. Thank you God for what's on our plate! Amen."