The Run Away Pillow

You get three different mornings from the Thomas kids.

Jackson is the sleeping adolescent that only has to be called to from the top of the stairs. He gives a growl and groan, and then states all I need to know..."I'm up."

Nancy Caroline's light is glowing from the crack in her bedroom door as I wipe the sleep from my own eyes and stumble down the hall. She is  halfway to being ready before the rest of us take our first morning stretch.

Sadie. The tiniest of the three. The easy going, resourceful, joyful child. The one who does as she is told. The "go-with-the-flow" one. She is all of these things...EXCEPT in the morning when I wake her.

She hides her face. She grumbles and cries. She makes excuses. It takes at least five tries to get her up and moving.  Did I mention she cries, ALOT. I have unashamedly tried it all...bribes, scolding, gently coaxing, not-so-gently coaxing, pulling her out by her ankles. None of it works. So this week I thought, if you can't beat her, join her.

Tuesday morning, after waking the other two, I stood in Sadie's doorway looking at the little sleeping face that was peeping out from under a mound of covers. I quietly tiptoed toward her and raised the blankets and sheets just enough to slide in next to her. Her skin was warm and soft as she snuggled up next to me without opening her eyes in the slightest. As her head settled onto my chest, I was taken back to when I was just about her size.

I closed my own eyes and could see the popcorn ceiling of the little front corner bedroom I called mine for many years in my parents house. The tiniest bit of morning sunlight would sneak through the cracks in the shades and would cast the oddest shadows. The smells and sounds of breakfast at the hands of my mother, seemed not just a memory but almost within my grasp. And instead of holding a little girl, I was the little girl.

As Sadie's head moved up and down in rhythm to my breathing , I couldn't help but remember the way my head felt resting upon my dad's chest. And a memory I hadn't thought of in years came flooding back.

I had forgotten, but Sadie and I have something very much in common. I was the unwakable sleepy head in the Anderson house. The covers were too warm and cozy and I always needed a few extra minutes. So my father created a game.

He would come in and snuggle up with me, always with a kind and jovial voice. He'd talk about going back to sleep as well, and he for sure needed a good pillow. And that good pillow was me. He would find a place, whether it be my back or tummy or shoulder, and would rest his head.

"Oh that is just the best pillow. That feels so comfortable!"

And then he'd begin to "snore".

After a few fake logs were sawed, I'd giggle with excitement and wiggle out from under my "sleeping" daddy and take off running down the hallway, as he chased his run-away "pillow". The chase usually ended in the kitchen around the feet of my mother or into my assigned chair at the table. But it was sure to always end in a heap of laughter, from father and daughter alike.

Daddy succeeded many mornings getting his sleepy little daughter up and going with love and laughter.

My thoughts swirling around this memory this week...

One. Parents, meet your children with more creativity, love, laughter, and joy. Lord knows, the world already doesn't have enough of these things. Our children, who are just on loan to us from God, see anger, sadness, and harsh judgement on TV, out and about, and sometimes even at school. They don't need to see a hint of it at home. So my challenge to you, is to find ways to positively guide and lead your children even in the little things, like getting up and getting life done. Then when the tougher things come along as they get older, I guarantee they will come to you knowing they will be met with understanding and grace, instead of a heavy scolding, easy frustration, and unrealistic anger. And I ask that you keep me accountable, because I am preaching to the choir. This mom needs to tone it down a notch or two at times.

"Fathers, do not provoke your children,

or they will become discouraged."

Colossians 3:21

Two. Our Father doesn't pull us out of sin by our ankles or coax us with bribes. He creates a beautiful home for us. Gives us a way to feel safe and secure. Our Dad provides for us in every way. He gives us the gifts of love and laughter. He pursues us. And then, He gives us the ability to choose.

Open your eyes and heart to a God who wants to laugh and love with you. Give thanksgiving for His care, provision, and safety. Talk to Him. Listen to Him. Choose Him.

"For the Lord your God is living among you.
    He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
    With his love, he will calm all your fears.
    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."

Zephaniah 3:17

This morning, Sadie made for a pretty cute and funny pillow. I can't wait to call my daddy and tell him the tradition is continuing. And I like to think God was laughing along with us as she ran down the hallway. I am pretty sure I heard Him in the laughter of the "run-away pillow" and her siblings.