Dear God, are
You still awake? Have You got a minute or two? You're pretty good at
understanding and I really need to talk to You.
You see, Mommy
came to tuck me in, like she does every night. I was trying to play a trick on
her, since she can't see without the light.
I was going to
close my eyes and pretend to be asleep. But when I heard her crying I didn't
dare let out a peep.
She started
talking to you, God. Did you hear the things she said? Could you hear what she
was saying as she stood beside my bed?
Why would Mommy
be so sad? I wondered just what I had done and then I began to remember it all
as she named them one by one...
This morning we
worked in the garden, but, honest, I really didn't know that if I picked all
those little yellow blooms the tomatoes wouldn't grow!
Charlie and I
were trying to be helpers, 'Cause I know that's what Mommy needs, but I don't
think she was too happy with us when we pulled up carrots instead of weeds.
Mommy said we
should stop for the day, she decided we had helped quite enough. I sure had
worked up an appetite... I didn't know gardening was so tough!
We had
peanut-butter and jelly for lunch and I shared too much, I guess... But I
didn't realize until I was done that Charlie had made such a mess.
Mommy said she
needed a nap; she had one of her headaches today. She told me to keep an eye
on my sister and find something quiet to play.
Well, God, do
You remember all those curls you gave my little sister Jenny? We played barber
shop...very quietly... and now, well, she doesn't have any.
Boy was Mommy
mad at me... I had to go sit on my bed. She said never to cut "people hair"
again. I guess I'll practice on Charlie instead.
We sat and
watched poor old Albert. I just knew he must be so bored going round and round
in the same place all day, Wouldn't You think so, Lord?
I didn't think
it would hurt to let him out for a while. I mean, mice need exercise too. By
the way, have You seen Albert lately? He's been sort of missing since two.
Mommy sent us
outside for the rest of the day. She said we needed fresh air. But when Daddy
came home she told him she was trying to get something out of her hair.
We thought Mommy
needed cheering up, so we decided to brighten her day. But, God, did You see
the look on her face When we gave her that pretty bouquet?
We had gotten a
little bit dirty, so Mommy said to get in the tub. "Use soap this time," she
reminded, "and please don't forget to scrub."
Charlie didn't
like the water too much, but I lathered up real good. I knew Mommy would be so
proud of me for cleaning up like I should.
I went
downstairs to the table, but during dinner it started to rain... I'd forgotten
to turn off the water, it seems, and I hadn't unplugged the drain!
I decided right
then it was just about time to start getting ready for bed, When Mommy said,
"It's sure been a long day,” And her face began turning all red.
I lay there
listening to Mommy as she told You about our day. I thought about all of the
things I had done and I wondered what I should say.
I was just about
to tell her that I'd been awake all along, And ask her to please forgive me
for all of those thing I'd done wrong.
When suddenly, I
heard her whisper, "God, forgive me for today... For not being more
understanding when those problems came my way...
For not handling
situations in the way You wanted me to...for getting angry and losing my
temper, Things I know You don't want me to do.
And, God, please
give me more patience, Help me make it through another day, I'll do better
tomorrow, I promise.... In Jesus' name I pray."
Wiping her eyes,
she kissed me and knelt here beside my bed. She stroked my hair for a little
while..." I love you, precious," Mommy said.
She left the
room without ever knowing that I'd been awake all the time. And God, could we
make it our little secret? You know, just Yours and mine?
I'm sorry I was
so much trouble today; I really didn't mean to be... Daddy says it's tough
being a kid sometimes, but I think it's harder on Mommy than me.
Well, goodnight,
God. Thanks for listening. It's sure nice to know You're there. I feel so much
better when I talk to You 'cause You always hear my prayer.
And I'll do
better tomorrow, I promise... Just You wait and see! I'll try not to be so
much trouble again, But, God, please give more patience to Mommy ......Just in
case! Amen.
