Child-like Faith

Over the past few months of what is commonly referred to as the "treacherous three's", Ainsley has been schooled in the concept of grace. (We as parents are also learning this concept through a new set of eyes.) We are thankful for God's blessing to our family in Ainsley and the way she is introducing us to a new found joy in trials and the fruit of God's word in her life. Here is the latest example, looking at grace through a child's eyes:

Setting: On the way to story-time at the library.

A: Mom can we please get fries and prites (Sprite) today?
M: We'll see. Fries and Sprite are a special treat. Perhaps if we are happy-hearted and good listeners today throughout errands we can.
A: Okay Mom.

Setting: Costco
M: Ainsley, you may sit in the basket or at the front of the cart.
A: Mom, I have an idea, how bout I stand on the basket?
M: No, that was not one of your choices. In the basket or the cart.

Whining begins (by Ainsley.) Mom picks her up and places her in the basket.

A: Mom, No. (Now screaming as we head toward the Costco bathroom.)
A: Screaming and crying. (At the entrance to the Costco bathroom, she proceeds to throw her shoes at me.)
M: Ainsley, this is not showing Costco that you love Christ. We will get our things and go to the car to discuss this.
A: Calming down and asking what are next errand is. (I'm seriously debating continuing the errand list or going home.)

Setting: The car

M: A quick review of what the expectations were and how they were not met. Including, that fries and sprite have now been taken off the table.
A: Whining about no fries and sprite.
M: Setting the expectation for Wal-Mart grocery shopping. "You will sit in the cart and say 'Yes, Mom.' There will be no snacking of any type in Wal-Mart."
A: Yes, Mom.

Setting: Wal-Mart (Everything goes smoothly and we are out of there.)
Setting: Car

A: Mom, will you please forgive me. (Mom, is thinking this is good. It didn't even require prompting.)
M: Ainsley, of course I'll forgive you. But what are you asking forgiveness for?
A: For throwing my shoes at you, screaming, and disobeying.
M: Yes, sweetness, I'll forgive you.
A: Now mom, ask me if I deserve fries and sprite.
M: Ainsley, do you think you deserve fries and sprite?
A: No, mom I don't deserve them. Mom, will you please show me some grace?
M: Complete silence as I realize my daughter is actually putting together a complete picture of grace from her point of view. As we are driving, my car wanders into the McDonald's drive thru. A order of fries and sprite is made, and I say: "Yes, honey, I'll show you grace."