The Prayer

The other day A~ went outside and sat down sadly on the front porch. Ammon went out to see if she was ok, and she told him, "I'm offering myself up to God."

Woah. What the...?

After some gentle probing, I discovered that her teacher at preschool (a Christian school) told her last year that if you're ever sad or lonely you can "offer" yourself to God and he will make you feel better. So that's what she did, and she was very disappointed that God didn't come help her. Cue heartbreaking parental moment.

We talked about the ways that God could answer prayers, and I think she understood what I was trying to teach her. On one hand, it was so sad to see her sitting out there, alone and shoulders slumped, "offering" herself to God. But on the other hand, I'm so glad that she remembered God during a time she felt lonely. I never had that growing up, and I really felt like something was missing. The greatest comfort I've found in the religion I chose as an adult is the knowledge that I'm NEVER alone. There is always someone there who loves and understands me, no matter what. I'm so glad she will have that in her life starting from when she is young.