Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Bed time prayers

The other day, I took all three kids with me to Mervyn's. Taking all three kids anywhere, is insane, but especially in a clothing store during a big sale. But, they were having a great sale that I couldn't bear to miss. As I was looking through the racks of clothes, Landon said, "Mommy, Mommy, do you see that lady over there?" He was trying to whisper, but was still very loud. I was mortified. I knew which lady he was talking about. I had seen a lady in a wheelchair that obviously had some type of permanent disability. I try not to stare, but I also try not to ignore someone with a disability. I always feel like I am walking such a fine line.

I tried to be discreet and told Landon, "Yes, I see a lady over there". "We need to pray for her." Landon said. "Why is that?". "Because she has a hurt hand." I hadn't even noticed the bandage on her hand. Landon then said, "I need to go tell her that we are going to pray for her." Again, I broke out in beads of sweat. It was all I could do not to say, "No, don't bother her." So, I took a deep breath and followed Landon around the rack of clothes to wear the lady was. "Excuse me." Landon said. "We are going to pray for you tonight at bedtime." "What?" the Lady said. "We are going to pray for your hurt hand tonight at bedtime." he repeated. The lady's whole face lit up and a big smile appeared, "Thank you!". My heart totally melted.

I wish I had an ounce of the bravery that Landon had. I wish I could be as bold about my faith with people I don't even know. That night at bedtime, Landon reminded me to pray for the Lady with the hurt hand (you know, he never once mentioned the wheelchair). I am reminded how often I tell someone I will pray for them, and then forget. Sometimes I think my children are the ones teaching me, not the other way around.