Saturday, September 23, 2006

Dear God,

Two little boys stayed overnight with their grandma and grandpa. When I arose early to write you, it was just a few minutes later that the 4 and 6 year olds made their way to the basement. That's where the toys are kept. As I began to write, they began to play with the Matchbox cars. Not used to boys who imagine themselves as world renowned racers, I figured my writing would have to be put off till later.

I walked over to the play area and asked them if they wanted to be spies. Their eyes popped open wide. "Sure!" They said. I searched through the toys to find just the right items for spies. "First, you will have to select a spy bag." I told them as they went through old purses. "Second, you will need to figure out what you want in your spy kit." In a matter of minutes the spy boys had selected getaway cars and motorcycles, hats, disguises, parachutes, invisible men, spy watches and suits, spy guns (water pistols, of course) and spy water. Filling their bags I had them put up their right hand to take an oath. "I promise to defend the United States of America." They both repeated as they crawled up the stairs to spy on the adults who had since gotten up.

So much fun, they had so much fun donned in spy clothing. Later in the morning the oldest sided up to me and asked me to play. I was tired. (Spying is labor intensive) I asked him why he wanted me to play and he said I was fun. I told him I needed to talk with the adults and the boys took off down the hall to play.

I didn't intend to spend time with the kids this morning. I wanted a quiet time to write but instead you gave me young boys to help imagine. They actually saw themselves as spies. It didn't bother them that they were carrying women's purses or surgery uniforms. To them this was spy equipment and they went off to play in the pretend world of spies.

It was a treat to transform some old dress up clothes into spy apparel. I had missed being with my grandchildren and I guess God wanted to give me some time with children hoping that someday soon I would have the opportunity I longed for to play with my own grandchildren.

My heart was satisfied as I played with the boys. And I think they wanted to do something extra special fun. In the end we all got what we needed.

In the imaginary world of "pretend"
God can show up dressed as a spy.
This spy, of course,
is gentle and kind,
a real friendly sort,
one who loves the whole world.
And those with special needs
will receive what they are looking for.
A heart's longing doesn't always show its need.
But no matter.
The great spy in the sky knows
and enters the picture unaware.
And joy erupts,
a sign of loving Presence.

Love, Andrea