The Faith of a Child

I seem to be the only one of my siblings who remembers how to type these days, so I guess I will post 2 blogs in a row! :)

I usually write something about my childhood, or something that happened with my brother or sister, but something happened to me this week that I wanted to share with the world. Since I don't have a tv show or a radio broadcast then I figured this was the best way to share my story...the lesson that I learned ....

As I am sure you are all very aware my son Zachary has several health problems. (which I will sneak a quick note in here now asking you to pray for him and these issues! thanks :) We have to take frequent trips to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for various doctor appts. He has about 8 specialists down there now. I am quite comfortable in the hospital hallways. I have been making these trips for almost 8 years now. I usually come quite prepared. I know to bring the extra snacks, toys, and games for those "short" visits that can often become all day adventures. However, on this particular day I had worked all day at Zach's school. I had helped in the Kindergarten class since the time I dropped him off. I had remember to bring Zach's Nintendo DS for the long wait, but I had completely forgotten to bring the extra snacks and drinks.

Now, Zach eats lunch at school at 1030 every day. So when he gets home, he is always hungry for a little snack. This is why I am not winning Mother of the Year. I really should've known this. But I had forgotten. As soon as we were pulling out of the school parking lot I heard his little voice from the back of the van.."Mommy, I'm hungry!" I had one of those "You're a horrible mother" moments. "I'm so sorry, Zach. I forgot to bring you a snack." To the which Zach was quick to reply, "It's ok, we can stop at McDonalds!". Right!! McDonalds!! I started digging in my purse...10, 25, 35, ...well...52 cents won't buy us much at McDonalds these days!!

"I'm sorry, Zach. I have no money!" I was still feeling that horrible mother feeling! Now, while Zach is normally a good child, and has always been fairly well behaved..He has his ...well..his whiney moments.. This was one of them...Imagine the most annoying whiney 7 yr old voice you can imagine..."But, Mommy, I'm soo soo sooo hungry! I will starve to death if I don't get something to eat. You HAVE to find me something to eat!" I knew it could be a very long time before we got home from this appt. I felt horrible. He continued, "Fine, mommy. I will pray and ask Jesus to give me something to eat. He listens to me when I pray."

Oh, great!!! Now he is bringing Jesus and prayer in to this!! Now I'm feeling even more horrible!! It probably would've been a great time to teach him a lesson about prayer or trusting, or something wonderfully spiritual like that. Instead, I chose to pout. "Why do I never have cash? Why can't I remember to be a good mom? Why didn't I bring him a snack? UGH!!"

We pulled in to Children's Hospital, and I immediately went to what I have come to call "my" parking garage. It's just where I always park. It's where there seems to be a parking spot always open for me! We walked inside. Another "stupid mother" moment. We were walking in right in front of the cafeteria!!! As soon as Zach smelled the food the whining began again. "Are you sure you don't have any money, mommy? Nothing at all? I'm soo hungry!!" (and Zach can be quite dramatic too! I don't know where he gets that from :)

"I'm so sorry, Zach. I just don't have any money!" We were directly in front of the cafeteria door when a staff member of CCHMC stopped us. He had a very kind face. He stopped in front of Zach and held out his hand. I looked down. He was handing Zach some money. My heart stopped!!! Then he started talking...

"Hi! I work here at Children's Hospital. Someone turned in some money that they found. When we find money, we hold on to it for a couple of hours, but if no one asks for it then we find someone who looks like they might like some money and give it to them. Would you like some money?"

Now, you are probably thinking what I was thinking...NU-UH!!! That did not happen!!! Well, my friend, I can promise you that it most certainly did happen!!! Right before my very eyes!

Of course, Zach reached out and took the money with the biggest smile I have ever seen!! My eyes filled up with tears. The man probably thought I was a crazy lady! He was quick to say, "Ma'am..it's only $4!".. I laughed. "No, it's just that..well..." I couldn't even find the words to say. I looked down at his name tag. I don't remember his name. But I will NEVER forget the sticker on it. It was a beautiful redbird!!! For those of you who know my mom, you know why the tears started rolling down my face. For as long as I can remember, my mom has used the redbird to symbolize a rememberance to God's promises. She has her own "redbird" that always seems to come visit her on just the days the Lord knows she needs him the most. When I pray for mom, I will often ask Him to send her a redbird as a reminder of His love to her to help her thru the day. When I saw that sticker on the man..I immediately knew Who that money was from!

Zach looked up at me and said, "Come on, mommy. Now we can go get a snack! Jesus answered my prayer." It was so "matter of fact" that I couldn't stop the tears. Oh to have his faith. I got such a great opportunity to talk to him about prayer, about the love of the Lord and about the lesson I had learned from him that day! We went in to the cafeteria. He got a snack, a big Gatorade and even a pop for me. The grand total...$4.02!!! God is so good!!!!!!

As soon as we got to our appt, I text mom.."Did you ask the Lord to send me a redbird today?" I quickly got her reply, "Yes, did He?" DID HE??? She had no idea!!!!

I am so thankful for the little things. I'm so thankful for His reminders. I'm so thankful for redbirds!! :)