The Brokenness of Humanity Explained to a 7 Year Old

Earlier this week, the three littles and myself went to Meijer for a few things. As we were tumbling out of the vehicle, my seven year old asked me a very serious question. "Mom, did you know that everything on earth is in danger because of humans?"

How come the serious questions always come when you are the least prepared?

Instantly what came to mind was "Amanda, quick! Explain the plight of the eco-system as it relates to original sin -- this is a great teaching moment." Right. Got it. Problem: I've completely lost my ability to articulate, to have clear thoughts and to draw lines between conclusions and concepts.

"Well, yes, I did know that. Remember when you used to read your old children's Bible at night? Your favorite story was about Adam and Eve, remember?" So I rambled on about how after God had created Eve to be a companion for Adam, He gave them mandates to 'subdue and multiply.' How God had told them that they eat of any tree except from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. If they ate of it, they would surely die.

"Mom, that's not what I'm talking about." "Well, hold on, I'm getting there." I'm clicking Viv's car seat on top of the grocery cart, pulling Cameron out of the video cart, instructing Carter to sit on the bench with little brother.

I explained how Adam and Eve's decision to disobey God had introduced brokenness and sin into our once perfect world. It was because of their sin that we would have to experience death, hurt, sin, etc. I tried to draw a line from there to pollution to mismanagement of the world's natural resources.

"Mom, that's not what I'm talking about."

Maybe I should have just said, "Really? Tell me more!" I was so excited to have this big, teachable, memorable moment between us that I might have forgotten that he is 7 and a half and not 12 or 14. I think it might have been more important to let him talk and share about his day and what he learned at school.

Biggest takeaway: talk less, listen more. Both in my relationship to God, husband, children and others.

"God told me . . ."

About a year and a half ago or so I took the kids to the YMCA and after I worked out I took Carter, then age 6, to climb the rock wall. It was his second time trying. He made it about halfway up and then became frightened and wanted to come down. He asked me to try it. I only got about 2/3 of the way to the top before I was ready to call it quits. The wall is high and once you start realizing how high up you are it becomes a little frightening!

It was quiet for the first few minutes of the drive home. Then, from the back of the vehicle, Carter spoke up. "Mom. Next time, I'm going to make it to the top of the rock wall. God told me."

Gulp.

Now what? Do I let him try again in a few days, weeks, months, never??? I mean, surely, he's got to be making this up. I mean, I can't let him try again and then fail and then lose hope? I felt anxious and wanted to 'protect' him and furthermore (although I didn't realize it at the time) I wanted to 'protect' God from . . . what?

I'm ashamed to say that I dropped the ball. I didn't take Carter to the rock climbing wall. He didn't really ask, but I didn't really encourage him. I didn't want him to fail or God to fail him.

So here we are about a year and half later and one Saturday Jeff takes the kids out to a family day for work at a nearby camp where there all sorts of games, prizes, activities and *gasp* a rock climbing wall.

When I woke up (I work 3rd shift weekends) Jeff was all smiles telling me how much fun he and the kids had that morning. Cameron had been running all over the place, Vivian sat cheerfully in her stroller and Carter (now age 7.5) had fun playing games (by himself and with Cameron.)

"Oh, and guess what?" said my handsome husband beaming proudly. "Carter climbed the rock wall." I gulped. "He climbed all the way to the top, can you believe that?" My jaw dropped to the floor. I asked him how tall the rock wall was in comparison to the one at the YMCA. As tall, maybe taller. "Amanda, it was awesome! We were all cheering him on. When he was done, he got down and was so matter of fact. 'Well, I climbed to the top. I knew I could do it.' "

I guess God doesn't need me to insulate him from Carter's childlike faith, huh? I am happily put back into my proper place. And for that matter, I've learned that it's okay (good, even) for kids to fail sometimes. They learn valuable lessons when they mess up - and so do we.

'Little Lady'

Our kids are so amazing! I love the special, individual uniqueness that comes with each one. I have a short story about Cameron (age 3) yesterday . . .

Cameron is passionate about music. He loves to listen to it in the car non-stop -- when he picks a new favorite song, he insists that we listen to it over and over and over and over and . . . For Christmas Uncle Alan bought both of the boys each a real little guitar. Cameron plays his and sings at the top of his lungs -- daily.

Daddy had worked all night long and was sleeping. We live in a very small space on one floor so the kids had to be quiet if we are inside. As per usual, Cameron pulled out his guitar and started strumming a singing (this is never a quiet activity - think hard rock.) I informed him that he needed to put his guitar away that it wasn't a good time to play it. After first refusing me, he decided to comply (who wants to sit in time out?) albeit tearfully. He put it away in the closet of his bedroom and walked out into the living room tears streaking down his cheeks. He looked at me and then turned in the direction of his bedroom and waved and said, "Goodbye, Little Lady . . . "

"Cameron, who is 'Little Lady'?" He sniffled. "Is 'Little Lady' your guitar?" Sniffle. "Yep." Sniffle.

Who names their guitar? At three years old? *sigh* I love him.

Race Results

I ran the River Bank Run 10K today with my friend Laura. We've been training once a week together with our friend Rebekah who couldn't run today due to a serious sinus infection AND being awake all night due to Mucinex. Who knew? It was rainy and windy and gray and hard! I'm not feeling to well, either . . . I have a bad head cold, laryngitis, coughing fits, etc. If you know me at all, you know that I either a) don't fess up to being sick (some might call it denial) or b) don't get sick very often. Really, it's true. Jeff didn't want me to participate but I paid $36 to register and that's a hefty chunk of change out of my (very) little pocket book.

It was so fun! There were people stationed all along the race route cheering us on, mile markers with timers so you could check your time, water and Gatorade stations AND at the end they had water, watermelon, oranges, bananas, bagels, yogurt, granola bars AND a special pin that says 10K River Bank Run 2009 AND my RBR '09 t-shirt. All in all, this race is/was worth every dollar spent!

Our time (we stuck together!) was 58:15. We did do a short walk while drinking some water and Gatorade a little more than half way through. Just to think if we had kept running during our water walk we could have made it in 57:??! does drive me a little nutty.

We've decided that we (Laura, Rebekah and I) are going to keep our weekly running group together and aim for another race. We're looking at the Traverse City Cherry Festival - the Meijer Festival of Races coming this summer and ultimately, we'd like to train/run the Grand Rapids half marathon in October. Woot woot! Aim high, right? Too bad all of this running doesn't have me showing off a leaner physique (yet?!)

Mom's Night Out - a breathing space for moms who are pressed in by life

This Friday it's time for Mom's Night Out again. Our teaching session is 'Vacationing on a Dime' and we're theming the decor and the food around a Mexican vacation. Ole! This will be our last dinner get-together for the season . . . I can't believe we're finishing our second year!

Our theme for April was 'Dating and the Single Mom.' I want to share some pics with you so that you can see how special it is --- although it is best experienced in person so you can feel and hear what God is doing! I'm having trouble loading pictures right now but I'll keep on trying!

Fasting? The Daniel Fast; coming my way soon . . .

At a birthday party for one of Carter's friends recently, I was talking to two of my girlfriends (oddly enough, both named Julie) when one Julie informed me that the other Julie had just completed 10 days of the Daniel Fast (I'll explain more later!) The latter Julie went on to inform me (and those who gathered 'round excitedly once she announced the results of said fast) that during 10 days of the Daniel Fast she lost minimum 7 lbs and 7% body fat!!! Her results were probably much better than that; she had to end the fast during a family visit with lots of cake, eating out, etc. She thinks it may have been much closer to 10 lbs, 10% body fat in 10 DAYS!!!

Even more importantly, Julie said that the primary reason for the fast (as every fast's purpose should be, I suppose) was to pray, seek the Lord and grow in Wisdom. I'm on board! To follow are some of the guidelines. I promise I'll keep you updated on my progress once I begin. I'm super scared and super excited! Believe it or not, I have NEVER fasted and NEVER dieted. Neither has ever appealed to me. But the idea of doing something that both honors God and grows me in relationship to Him AND honors the body that He has blessed me with is exciting . . . and TERRIFYING!

Giddy-up! Here we go!!!

DANIEL FAST FOOD LIST
“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:2, 3

One of the great things about the Daniel Fast is that you are not limited to any specific amount of food, but rather to the kinds of food you can eat. The Daniel Fast is limited to vegetables (includes fruits) and water. If you are interested in a collection of recipes that will take you through an entire 21-day Daniel fast, click here.

Please make sure to READ THE LABEL when purchasing packaged, canned or bottled foods. They should be sugar-free and chemical-free. Keep this in mind as you review this list of acceptable foods.

Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast

All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon
All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.
All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.
All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.
Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.
Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.

Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast
All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.
All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.
All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.
All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.
All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.
Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.
Remember, READ THE LABELS!

Customer Service?

To any and all who work in the field of customer service, I applaud you on embarking on a difficult task. We, the consumer, can be hard to deal with at times. We are needy, bossy, bi*chy-at-times, short, demanding . . . an endless list of adjectives come to mind.

I guess we should define all of those who work in the customer service industry. My definition would be any one who serves the public in any capacity. Gas station attendant, check. Grocery store cashier, check. Department store sales, check. Waitress/waiter, check. Personally I have often worked in customer service. I have been a waitress, a sales clerk in a department store, an assistant manager at a national women's clothing store and most recently I have worked with the health care patient population.

Where has customer service gone?? When did it become an acceptable part of your routine (while taking my order) to partake in conversation with your co-worker (three times)? Are you oblivious to the car seat hanging off of my elbow and the two rambunctious boys I am trying to corral by MYSELF while you stop listening to my order and answering my questions? Does it seem right to you that I should have to ask you for permission to complete my order? I mean, pardon me for the interruption but this car seat is heavy (there is a baby inside, after all) and these two boys - you have no idea what they could do to your lobby if I don't keep them at my side.

Or when did it become acceptable for you and your friend to have a gossip fest in the middle of scanning our purchases and bagging our groceries? I feel uncomfortable listening to the personal exploits of your inner circle while you ring us up. It distracts me from making sure everything rings up at proper sale price. It feels awkward when I have to interrupt your conversation to ask a question.

Or how long do I have to wait at this desk for you and your personal phone call to end or for you to finish facebooking/i-chatting or for you and your co-worker to finish discussing a previous customer. Do you see us standing in front of you, waiting (not so patiently?) Is it rude of me to interrupt and say 'excuse me' for your attention?

Customer service is a really hard job. The public is hard to deal with (me included, sometimes.) I just thought you might want to know that giving a smile, being polite and professional, saving your personal and/or work conversations for another time -- these go a loooooong way. And seriously, once you're off the clock you can ignore us all you choose (although I'd prefer you didn't :)