Hands Behind the Back

 This is the latest position the little guy chooses to assume as he watches his videos.

 Those little fingers are tightly clasped behind the back.  Keep in mind, this is strictly for video watching only.

Peanut...Peanut Butter...Jelly!

Well, I've introduced him to what is now a regular part of his lunch these days - the peanut butter and jelly sandwich!  Since introducing this guy to peanut butter and being relieved that he's not one of the many kids now days showing up with a peanut allergy P, B, & J has become a favorite for lunch.  Can you tell that he likes it? 

Let the Pendulum Swing

Seriously?

 How can one go from contented...

to happy...

 to hysterical...

to ecstatic... in a matter of  seconds???

I think it's called toddlerhood!!  

  

Reflections on Christmas Part 2

We're generally not at home on Christmas Eve, but this year we were.  We didn't fly out until Christmas Day to visit family (flights are cheaper).  With that being said, we finally had the opportunity to join some folks we know who have been celebrating Christmas Eve at the local men's shelter for the past several years.  This is a pretty large shelter for homeless men in the city.  I was excited for us to be able to do this, but a little timid at first not knowing what to expect.  Looking back, I'm so glad I didn't let my reservations or skeptisicm get the best of me.  Tyson, Samuel, and I headed into the shelter around 7 pm.  We checked in at the front desk then headed down the hallway.   The shelter was full with men lining the hall way on benches, some laying on bunk beds in large rooms off to the main hallway, and others sitting around in the dining hall ready to participate in the festivities.  My uneasiness quickly faded away as I looked at these men.  My heart was imediately softened and came alive ready to love.  Guess who had the best time of all? A certain little one year old who softened hearts and brought lots of smiles to many faces that night.  It's amazing how children, especially babies can melt the hardest of hearts.  As far as Samuel was concerned we could've been at Disneyland.  He had the time of his life.   He smiled and jabbered at each man there.  When we put him down he toddled all over the large room up and down the rows of men sitting at the tables patting some on the knee and looking each one in the eyes.  I would watch their faces as he approached them.  Even the most angry or downcast cracked a bit of a smile.  We read the story of the birth of Jesus from the book of Luke and shared stories of God's hope and deliverance.  We had a small band lead us in several upbeat Christmas songs.  At the end we offered to pray with any of the men who desired prayer and passed out simple gifts.  One experience that especially stands out to me was when I was following Samuel keeping an eye on him as he continued to march around the room passing out smiles.  One hispanic man held out his arms to pick Samuel up.  This man was quite filthy, had long hair, wreaked of alcohol, and was obviously a bit intoxicated.  As long as Samuel didn't appear fearful or uncomfortable I decided to let the man hold him.  He reached out and I gave him the look that it was okay to hold the baby.  As Samuel went into his arms tears welled up in the man's eyes.  In broken English he said, "He reminds me of my son."  I said "where is your son?"  "In my country," he replied softly. Then he looked at Samuel and said, "I love you."   Keeping my eye on Samuel who is still obviously not concerned, he leaned in and laid his head on the man's shoulder.  Wow!  Who knows when the last time this man had received a loving touch or hug from anyone.  I felt like God used our little baby to give him a taste of unconditional love and it flooded my soul with joy.   My prayer for Samuel is that he would always have eyes to see past the externals and into the heart.  For that matter, this is a prayer for myself.  I can learn from him!
On the way home, Tyson and I agreed that our hearts were full and alive!  I hadn't been a part of anything like that in so long, I had forgotten how life giving it is to get outside of myself and be a part of something greater.