Our Little Angel

Violet is growing into such an amazing person. I know I am biased because I am her mother but she truly has a precious spirit. Gabe and I have recently been discussing children and their connection to the Almighty. I think they must in their innocence have a deeper connection with Him than we do as adults. When we are babies and young children our hearts are so pure and our minds are open to all things. As we become older we learn to be afraid and suspicious and closed minded. I think that God is always trying to speak to us but we rarely take the time to sit in the quiet and listen to Him. Oh to be a child again and not have a jaded mind. Recently, Violet has shown us how close God really is to us. He dwells within us always. As parents we are trying to be good examples for this precious soul that God has entrusted to our care but more often than not she is the example to us. For months now she has been praying with us and even praying on her own. She often says a family members name and then amen. On several occasions we have found out that at the very times she has been praying for that person they are experiencing something stressful or they are sick. She prays for Daddy while he is at work and says "Don't worry Daddy. Amen." Two weeks ago I started reading the Christmas Story from her Jesus Storybook Bible to her and telling her about Jesus and that he is in her heart always. Ever since then she walks around and says Jesus several times during the day. For some reason every time Gabe brings her to me in the bathtub the first the she says to is "Jesus" with a sweet smile on her face. Last night when Gabe came to get her she handed him an imaginary flower and said "Daddy, present". It was so sweet.
Last weekend Gabe had to teach a special class on Sunday for the students who are traveling to America. He did not want to go because it was Sunday. When he woke up without his alarm at 6:30 he went back to sleep and did not have an alarm set. At 7:00 Violet woke up and crawled over my chest and onto her daddy's chest. She patted his chest and said, "Daddy Tie Bye Bye". He sat up and looked at his watch and said "Thank you Violet! I was almost late for work!" She usually cries when he leaves but she didn't cry, she just repeated "Daddy Tie Bye Bye" She knows he wears a tie to work. It was amazing! She saved the day!
Then today we were playing in front of the full length mirror in the kitchen. She loves to look at herself and smile. Today I asked her, "Who is that in the mirror?" and she replied, "Jesus" with a smile. Then she said, "kiss kiss hug" and preceded to kiss her reflection. It brought tears to my eyes. I don't know what to make of all of these things but in my heart I want to believe it is God working through her precious heart.
During this Advent season may we all have the heart of a child, completely open to His Love and His Peace. I pray we can all receive the greatest Christmas present, His Presence.