This morning the kids were up at their usual cheerful six am. Since I spent two hours walking and feeding the baby in the middle of the night, my husband most graciously handled the chipper chickens and let me sleep.
He had to be at work by seven-thirty for an important meeting, and gave me as long as possible before handing over the reins. On his way out the door he checked his bag for the essentials; bullets, badge, mace, credentials–wait, where were his creds? Back into the bedroom he ran, tearing things apart in a frantic search for his ID.
I don’t know about your husband, but mine hates to misplace things. It’s probably one of the few things that can really upset him, and let me tell you, he was on his way from seriously ruffled to full-blown panicked. He’d had to change clothes last night at Scouts, and who knows what fell out where?
Since it’s wisest to leave him alone in these situations, I quickly decided that instead of studying the scriptures, the kids and I we were going to have an object lesson.
“Kids!” I called, “Dad lost his creds and we have to say a prayer to help him find them. Kneel!” They dropped down around me and all three started praying at once (actually it was four since Rex’s bird was praying too).
We managed a fervent prayer on his unknown behalf, then scattered. I headed straight to his extremely spotless car that had already been searched twice. I opened the backdoor, reached under the passenger seat, and voila! Creds. Took about 26 seconds from the “amen”.
I don’t know how much this experience will teach or affect my kids, but I was once again astounded at the power of a little prayer and faith on another’s behalf. There is help all around us, why are we so stubborn about utilizing our resources? Whether it’s feelings of frustration with your kids, concern over a child’s health, or even lack of inspiration in your career, I have the feeling that as far as the long run goes, a little more prayer and a little more faith might change my world.
I read a quote once that said, “There is a vast difference between saying prayers and praying.” There is power when we get down to the nitty gritty of things and just pray.
You are the master of prayer. Seriously, you have a bunch of these stories. I could take more cues from you.
Brilliant- I love the show of faith. Hopefully I can remember to do this with my children!
I am happy to know that there are people out there who hate to misplace things as much as I do. There is nothing more frustrating than looking around for something when you have no idea where it could be. I don’t do it for my husband, my kids or myself. If I can’t sit down and retrace my steps well enough to locate the object in my mind then it typically stays lost until I stumble upon it while cleaning.
i always have to pray when i lose something otherwise i’d probably have a mental breakdown. and i’m pretty sure it works every time!
My daughter’s first comment after telling me she’s lost something is “but, I already prayed, mommy!” Love that all four (including the bird *giggle*) prayed for Daddy’s lost creds. Wonderful reminder especially after an inspiring GC.
I think I know where you’ve gotten your prayer-know-how (shall we say?) Your mother is the best I’ve ever known for praying about everything. You are so lucky to have had her instruction while growing up. You are doing an awesome job with your kids too!
I love the part about Rex’s bird praying too 🙂
If only prayer would help me actually LOSE things. Like 50lbs or so. 😉
I love your reminders.
Love that quote!
I really relate to your husband. It’s my only neurosis, I promise, but I can be in full freakout mode within 4 seconds if something turns up missing. My husband rolls his eyes at me, especially since I usually find it pretty quickly, but I can’t help it. It’s just the one thing that makes me totally freak out. 🙂
And, awesome prayer story, that’s for sure. I’m sure your children will remember it forever.
Love this one! I have found it to be true in my own life as well. We seem to question the darnest things! I know that my own children have remembered the prayer stories in our family and I am sure that yours will as well. Don’t be afraid to take it out of hiding every once in awhile and teach the lesson!
Are you ready for the best “lost creds and the power of prayer” story ever? Here it is:
Brett left his creds home one morning, and when he realized it, he called and asked me to bring them to him. We decided to meet at the music store across town, where I needed to be anyway.
I had to drop off our kindergartner at the bus first. So, after Jake was on the bus, I headed to the music store. Did my shopping, and eventually, Brett pulled in. We went to my van, and I opened the passenger door to get his creds off the seat – only to discover that they were missing.
We searched the van from stem to stern. No creds. We searched my purse. Nothing. Went into the music store. Still nothing.
I joked, “let’s hope they didn’t fall out of the van at the bus stop. The street cleaners are in our area today! Ha ha ho ho aren’t I a card?” Then we both panicked! Raced across town to the bus stop.
Much praying ensued. Losing your creds is a HUGE problem in our husbands’ line of work.
The street sweeper rounded the corner AWAY from the bus stop just as we got there. So the street was clean as a whistle. Brett was fit to be tied, and he sped away in search of the street sweeper.
He PULLED THE STREET SWEEPER OVER, and explained his situation to the driver, who very kindly pulled into an empty lot and DUMPED her load.
Sitting right there, on top of the pile, were his creds.
BOO-YAH!
Um, where’s the prayer part, miss one-uper?
Hey, I said “Much praying ensued”! Mucho prayo ensuyo!
Brought tears to my eyes! It will have a big impact on your kids!!! Promise! Keep it up!
This reminds me of what president Monson said Sunday about the key to gratitude is living a prayerful life. Love it.
Thanx Anne, I’m studying about power right now. I’ve learned that the Lord has stored surprise pockets of power in all his ‘commandments’ and covenants. The power to succeed is everywhere when we simply yield to His requests. Especially loved your last sentence. There is power in honest communication/prayer, it isn’t just a euphemism. G’ from Elma
Annie you are seriously one of the best pray-ers I know! Even if you do crack wise sometimes.
I love your story and DeNae’s story! And I’d like to bear testimony that she did say much praying ensued.
What a great example you are to your babies! (And their birds)