Kaylee flipped through the pages of her Bible, settling on a story that, based on the pictures, would be a retelling of Rapunzel. It was, in fact, Michal, David's wife, who was letting her hair down outside an upper window of the castle, helping her husband flee to safety. Michal's dad, King Saul, was plotting to kill David but, like a good wife, Michal wasn't going to let that happen. David later found Saul sleeping in a cave, and could have killed him, but did the right thing and spared his life. I told Kaylee that David had always been brave, even killing a giant named Goliath, because God was with him.
"That's not possible," Kaylee said (a line she stole from her brother).
"Why not?" I asked.
"Because God is in heaven with Buck and Mimi."
Hmmm. How to handle this one. Yes, God was in heaven with her great-grandparents, but how to explain that God was also everywhere... "Maybe when they say God was with him they mean God was in his heart telling him what to do," I settled for.
"You mean like when I'm supposed to do something, and I don't want to do it, but I know I'm supposed to so I do it anyway?" she said innocently.
"Exactly," I said, amazed at her insight. And she is only 6!
We went on to read the story of Samson and Delilah. The next day Tysen wanted to read her Bible, and she too chose the story of Samson. Kaylee immediately sat down with us and began telling Tysen the story. How Samson was so strong. But how Delilah tricked him and cut his hair while he was sleeping so that he wouldn't be strong anymore. And then the men took him prisoner and poked out his eyes (she was very animated about that part!). "But what happens when we cut our hair?" Kaylee asked, imitating me. "It grows back!" Tysen said. "Yes!" Kaylee proceeded to tell Tysen that after his hair started to grow back he became strong one more time and knocked down the castle, killing everyone in it including himself.
I absolutely treasure these moments. Sharing these Bible stories with my nieces and nephew. Watching them cringe at the gory moments and cheer at the victories. Helping put God in their hearts, so that they can always draw from that.
At church lately we've been talking about the importance of introducing our children to Jesus. Over 7,000 kids have gone through our summer camp. Amazing! And why is this so important? Because life is hard and we can't always be there for our kids. I read a true story recently about a boy whose grandfather told him he could always count on him. But the grandfather passed away unexpectedly and the boy didn't know who to turn to so he committed suicide. This is an extreme case, but a reminder of the importance of giving our children something higher to look to. For the 5-year-old who is a natural caregiver, but grows up and is unable to have children. For the 10-year-old star athlete, whose knee injury in college ruins any hope of a professional career. For all the hardships and hurts, the joys and blessings that are ahead, it behooves us to present the option of living water to our kids.
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