Let me begin by saying Happy New Year! It is great to be part of another year!
New Year's Eve was a wonderful evening of fun and excitement at our church, Heritage Bible Church. It started out with a carry-in meal that started around 7:00. After the meal, the children ran around with their balls and guns and had a great time. The young people gathered at one end of the gym and played basketball. And the young couples and adults sat at the tables and played games. This went on til about 11:00. At which time, we went over to the church and had a Watch Night service to bring in the new year. This concluded with the families assembling together and praying to thank God for His faithfulness in '08 and His blessings on '09.
When this service was completed shortly after 12:00, some of the older people went home while the younger ones went to the gym to continue with Volleyball, Basketball, and table games. It was around 3:30 that I had had enough and was ready to go home. Marsha said she would stay with the young people and I would take Trenton and Brooklynn home to bed.
New Year's Eve was a wonderful evening of fun and excitement at our church, Heritage Bible Church. It started out with a carry-in meal that started around 7:00. After the meal, the children ran around with their balls and guns and had a great time. The young people gathered at one end of the gym and played basketball. And the young couples and adults sat at the tables and played games. This went on til about 11:00. At which time, we went over to the church and had a Watch Night service to bring in the new year. This concluded with the families assembling together and praying to thank God for His faithfulness in '08 and His blessings on '09.
When this service was completed shortly after 12:00, some of the older people went home while the younger ones went to the gym to continue with Volleyball, Basketball, and table games. It was around 3:30 that I had had enough and was ready to go home. Marsha said she would stay with the young people and I would take Trenton and Brooklynn home to bed.
Trenton did not want to go home! He wanted to stay and play with his friends and Zac. When he realized he had no choice in this decision, which he seldom does, the tears of frustration and exhaustion began to fall down his tired cheeks. I took him home and asked him if he wanted to sleep with me, this was a big NO. So I asked him where he wanted to sleep; he chose the playroom on the floor and a pile of blankets. I said fine, somewhat tucked him in, and walked out.
As I got downstairs, I could him hear him crying quite loudly about his dilemma so I thought I had better go back up and check on him. I went about three-fourths of the way up the stairs and decided to sit there out of view and listen for a moment before I went in. He was weeping through pure exhaustion and anger out of not being at the gym. Here is what I heard: "I want Zachy. I want my brother!" Then he would cry some more. "I want Mommy!" Now this was never very loud, but I could hear from my hiding place on the stairs. "I want Pop-pop!" I thought that was an interesting one. And this continued on through his tears.
Suddenly his tone changed and this concerned me a little. "I hate Zachy! I hate everybody!" Now I know he was angry over his predicament and I know he was very tired, but I still did not like to hear those words. I debated about going in and addressing this new statement, but decided to wait it out some more and hear what else he might have to say.
Finally, after some more statements about who he wanted and muttering to himself, it became quiet. I thought he was about to go to sleep and I was about to leave, when he began to talk again. This time I was quite surprised as to what he said through his tears, "Jesus, I want to go Heaven!" and then a second time, "Jesus, I want to go Heaven!" There I sat, hiding on the steps on New Year's Morning around 4:00, listening to my 7 year old son pray to Jesus that he wanted to go to Heaven. I am glad I did not walk in for it was worth every moment of sitting there. I almost cried myself. I am not sure where this suddenly came from, but was glad that I was still hiding on the steps. So for me, New Year's has already been wonderful and I am expecting a great year to continue!
As I got downstairs, I could him hear him crying quite loudly about his dilemma so I thought I had better go back up and check on him. I went about three-fourths of the way up the stairs and decided to sit there out of view and listen for a moment before I went in. He was weeping through pure exhaustion and anger out of not being at the gym. Here is what I heard: "I want Zachy. I want my brother!" Then he would cry some more. "I want Mommy!" Now this was never very loud, but I could hear from my hiding place on the stairs. "I want Pop-pop!" I thought that was an interesting one. And this continued on through his tears.
Suddenly his tone changed and this concerned me a little. "I hate Zachy! I hate everybody!" Now I know he was angry over his predicament and I know he was very tired, but I still did not like to hear those words. I debated about going in and addressing this new statement, but decided to wait it out some more and hear what else he might have to say.
Finally, after some more statements about who he wanted and muttering to himself, it became quiet. I thought he was about to go to sleep and I was about to leave, when he began to talk again. This time I was quite surprised as to what he said through his tears, "Jesus, I want to go Heaven!" and then a second time, "Jesus, I want to go Heaven!" There I sat, hiding on the steps on New Year's Morning around 4:00, listening to my 7 year old son pray to Jesus that he wanted to go to Heaven. I am glad I did not walk in for it was worth every moment of sitting there. I almost cried myself. I am not sure where this suddenly came from, but was glad that I was still hiding on the steps. So for me, New Year's has already been wonderful and I am expecting a great year to continue!
2 comments:
Ahhh -- so Trenton -- I found myself gulping tears too! I sure do love that boy!
Our children - an awesome gift. And teaching them what's right is so important. What a treasured moment! I have some of those and I wouldn't trade them for anything!
L.
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