Last night I re-read a book a friend gave me, entitled, “Children’s Letters to God.” It’s a little book and a quick read, and it never fails to make me smile. Such innocence and honesty.

My attention was drawn to one prayer written by Joyce. In my mind’s eye, Joyce was six years old when she wrote:

“Thank you for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy.”

The visual is right there. She prayed so hard for a puppy that would love her, give her wet kisses, play with her, and snuggle with her. What arrived was not fitting that description, and someone large and in charge needed to know about it.

But I can also hear my prayers in hers. For instance, pre-pandemic, I was always lamenting the lack of free time to spend with friends. Seemed like I was always occupied with necessary chores which left no time at the end of the day to do the fun stuff. I wanted more fun time in my life, but let’s be clear, I wasn’t to the point of praying for a puppy. Then a pandemic arrived. Kind of makes one feel like Joyce, you can’t play with a newborn or a pandemic.

What is easy to miss in Joyce’s prayer was that she first thanked God for what she did receive. Joyce couldn’t imagine what incredible adventures she and little brother would have in their later lives, just as I can’t imagine what life will be like post-pandemic. There can be all-kinds of good that happens when we return our gratitude.

So, thank you, God, for baby brothers and pandemics. May we use the unexpected to make a positive difference in this world.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18