While Linnea gets to know her 3^rd child, this grandma is having fun with the 1^st and 2^nd. Yesterday, since rain eliminated playgrounds and neighborhood hikes, the 3 of us ventured out to the library. As we started our drive, I suggested we each name something we’d like to see during our morning together. “I hope I see a horse,” I said.

Skylar quickly chimed in. “I want to see a cow, brown and white.” She also spoke for Micah. “Micah wants to see a fire truck.”

“Big fire truck,” he added.

The gigantic library building captivated us from the time we pulled into the parking lot. Leave it to children to point out the important sights, like the traveling book-mobile. Driving up close to it, we took time to enjoy the painted books on its exterior and the real books visible through its windows. “Those are for children who don’t have cars and can’t drive here,” Skylar said. Not bad reasoning, for a 3 year old.

As we walked into the front entrance, a larger-than-life, brightly painted horse greeted us. “Look!” Skylar said. “Midgee, a horse!” And sure enough, it was.

The children’s section, dominating half of the ground floor, was packed with child-friendly computers, magnet boards, floor puzzles, puppets, books, and an encouraging staff. As we mouse-clicked on a screen to match up mommy and baby animals, suddenly we were looking at Skylar’s cow. Brown and white to boot.

Our 2 hours ran out before their interest did, and when I announced it was time to leave, both children resisted. Strong-willed Skylar seemed close to an outburst, and I wondered how I’d successfully get them to the car.

Just then the entire library went dark, a power outage from God. Skylar jumped up, grabbed my hand and said, “It’s dark! Let’s go!”

Taking young children on an outing that’s been arranged completely for their benefit can be either a dream or a nightmare. I wonder if God sometimes plans good things strictly for our benefit and is disappointed when our responses flip-flop. “Yes, Lord, you blessed us with a sunny day, but now it’s too hot.” Or, “Sure, you gave me a new job, but now I don’t like my boss.”

Receiving what we’re given without wanting to tweak it is a skill gained only through resolute practice. With little children, we sometimes have to take good gifts away from them for the sake of teaching. And God sometimes takes away our sunny day, a new job, or any other blessing we will only appreciate by losing it.

Skylar, Micah and I were grateful (for different reasons) to quickly exit the dark library. And once in the car, as I was clicking Micah’s seat belt, a red fire truck drove right past us, sirens blaring, horns honking, and God blessing us 100%.

“Big fire truck!” Micah added.

“We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (1 Timothy 6:7-8)