Surprised By Hunger

I thought I'd try a little reading aloud one evening while we were camping. Prayer always continues no matter where we are and so does singing--lots of singing. But read-alouds, well, we had taken quite a break from them.

The children were riding bikes with their new friends, up and down the lane way that stretched between campsites. I strolled to the edge of the road and called out to them and held up Wisdom With The Millers. Now, sometimes swimming, watermelon, or campfire (all much loved) cannot tear those kids away from their bikes. Emily, on her just-had-the-training-wheels-off-two-wheeler, Meghan, racing with the boy from three sites down, Molly, meandering here and there with her new friend, and Oliver, often found on a neighbour's John Deere tricycle, spent most waking hours immersed in this activity. But somehow, the sight of that little, yellow book caused feet to pedal faster than ever and wheels soared all the way back to our trailer.

I had already set up chairs for each of us, not realizing, our little neighbour had followed the girls to see what made them drop their bikes at the road and come running. We created a little spot for him too and he plopped himself down like one of the family. Oliver sat for awhile but as it often goes, he headed out to do his own thing after a few paragraphs. Our four year-old guest, who was obviously not used to read-alouds, frequently interrupted and the girls hushed him over and over. Two chapters later they begged for more and I stopped so that we could start campfire. We prayed and each of us glanced at the little boy who had been eager to join us. He seemed oblivious to what was happening. The children set off on their bikes once again to enjoy the last of the daylight. I made a mental note to keep this sweet camper on our prayer list.

I rose and collected chairs, amazed that this simple set of stories of a conservative family intrigue my children so much. The life lessons learned and the connections they make with their own lives are priceless. This is a holy practice we maintain. We read God's Word, we read stories of applying the wisdom in His Word, and we pray for guidance to live out that wisdom. When I doubted their desire for it, they surprised me and demonstrated that there is a hunger beyond what physical activities and fun can offer. Why would this cause me such wonder? We were created with a God-size hole in our hearts! As parents, we simply guide them to the One who can fill it.

I am grateful for the hunger.