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18 March 2011

Grant's Lullaby

Grant is a firecracker. All energy, all emotion, all the time. He plays hard, he fights hard, and he loves hard too. He is such a joy in our home and I cannot imagine one day that he didn't bring some sort of smile to my face.



Tonight, however, Grant brought me worry. Some of you may know (but if you aren't nearby probably not) that Grant doesn't really talk much yet. He is now 28 months old and only uses a handful of words regularly. I know, I know what you might be thinking because I have heard it and even thought it myself.


Corinne, he is just a late talker. Corinne, watch out, because once he starts talking that boy is never gonna stop! Corinne, he is in a bilingual setting, hearing both English and Hungarian. Corinne, there is no reason to worry!

I have told myself these things to reassure myself that he is ok. That nothing is wrong. And there are many positive things I see. He is developing so well. He has no other areas of delay. He can identify the letters of the alphabet (yes, almost the whole alphabet!). But he just doesn't make the words. Sure he says things like "Momma," "Daddy," "Car-er" (Carter). He knows the dog's name and asks for jooz (juice). And most days we get along just find with pointing and babbles.

But not tonight. Bedtime can be a little stressful trying to convince two young boys to actually lie down to say our prayers and go to sleep. Usually Grant follows the routine and cooperates for the most part. But tonight was different. There was something he needed. Something he wanted that was beyond the bedroom. He was frantic, he was crying, and he was angry at me for not understanding. I went through a list of could-be's. Do you want daddy? Do you need a hug? Do you want a drink? No, no, no. He was so frustrated and I began to hurt for him. I wanted to meet his need. I wanted to calm him so he could go to sleep. Instead all I could offer was a hug and kiss. A soothing word. He grabbed my face by his little hands and pushed my head towards the door and cried. After several minutes of soothing, he finally calmed enough for me to tuck him in and step out of their room. Instantly the motherly worry swept over me again. As I stood by the door to listen as Carter and Grant drifted into sleep and I could hear the Lullaby CD that we play for them each night. A combination of scripture and music. The lullaby sang out Phillipians 4:6 -
Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 

Yes. Thank you God for a gentle reminder. Why, when there is a concern from my mother's heart, do I not immediately turn to my Creator? Why do I have such a hard time telling God what I need?

Several weeks ago, when I was praying for Grant I asked God to give him a voice. Not just for idle speech, but a voice for his kingdom. I prayed that Grant would become a man that spoke up for Christ. That furthered the kingdom by his words. That God would bless all he says. I ask that this be your prayer for him as well. Because, although I will cherish the many conversations he shares with me I know I will treasure more the words he uses for God.


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