I have these two beautiful nephews that I love as my own.
I was planning to go see them this weekend, but plans were interrupted by the death of my sister's friend's father. My prayer go out to that family having recently experienced the death of my own father.
When I was planning a trip to see the boys, I called to ask the oldest boy (6 years old) what he would like me to bring him as a gift. I knew the 2 year-old would want whatever his brother had.
My nephew was at a day camp and I left word that I wanted to talk with him about this gift. My sister did not really want me to ask him what he wanted because she did not want me to feel as if I needed to show up with gifts.
I waited excitedly to hear what would he want. I knew his wants would represent the stage of his life and fill me in on some of his life I miss day to day. I hurt that I am not with him all the time and miss out of small details. The gift would be insight. Was he still into Cars (Disney) had he moved beyond the 10,000 Playmobil items I have searched for and purchased in the past? Did he still like airplanes??
As I thought of all the things he could name, I realized God must also want to know what we want because it is deep insight into our heart, maturity, insecurities, fears, and pleasures. I believe God is all knowing, but think He also loves hearing these wants. I am sure He loves that we draw close enough to him to share these.
This actually convicted me because sometimes I get tired of praying over and over the same prayer. I think how many times do I have to pray this to be heard, or even to cover myself. The truth is it is not about repeating the words. It is about drawing close.
I still don't know what my precious boy wants. But, I sit and wait and will be thrilled to know.
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Interesting blog, as it made me think about many things...one of which is that as I've become older (eh, hem, matured), I have a harder time telling my friends and family what I would like as gifts when they ask. Is it that I'm not really in tune with myself (partially), or that I'm more focused on my son than on myself (partially), or that what I need, want and desire most is time: time to be alone, time with my son, time with my husband, time with all of us together, time with my friends and time with my larger family (yes, yes and yes!!).
I'm sure your nephew's greatest gift will be time with his aunt, making great memories! (but, as the mother of a young son, I'm sure a new car wouldn't hurt, eithter...hee hee)
July 27, 2008 - 12:41pmThis Comment
My co-author of Princess Bubble-Kim- her house beurned down several years ago and she lost everything. She is not materialistic AT ALL and ran back in the fire for her library books. How crazy!? Claimed she could not pay the fine with all she would need to buy.
But, when people wanted to help her they would say "What do you need?" She answered, "Everything." I thought how hard it would be to admit or humble yourself to say, "I need everything!" But, the truth is people wanted to help and were glad to give.
Thank you for your response! I hope you get some family time.
July 27, 2008 - 12:48pmThis Comment
I'm sorry to hear about the recent death of your father and the loss of a family friend's relative. I, like you, will wait to hear what your nephew wishes for and I hope you share it here.
July 26, 2008 - 12:05pmThis Comment
Thanks for reading my blog!
July 26, 2008 - 12:51pmHave a wonderful Saturday!
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