The "Joy" of a Much-Younger Sister

A conversation between my daughter Katie Beth, who is 21, and my caboose kiddo Christa, who is 7:

Christa: Katie Beth, when I grow up, I am going to have a car and a motorcycle!

Katie Beth: Well, I'll borrow your motorcycle all the time.

Christa: No you won't! You'll be too old!

Katie Beth: How old do you think old is, Christa?

Christa: Like 90.

Katie Beth: When you start driving, I'll only be 30.

Christa: Well, yeah--you'll still be old!

Of course, Christa did not share her plans about having a motorcycle with me. And if 30 is old, I don't know what she thinks I am--besides tired.

And Christa doesn't know that Rob and I plan on her brother and sisters teaching her to drive. So she'd better treat them nicely and not razz them about their age.

Signs

I was on the phone a lot yesterday afternoon.

Consequently, Christa watched a bit too much television. Not the first time that happened. If the child has any emotional problems, it will probably be related to the amount of children's programming she's been exposed to.

I should start saving for that expense now, I guess.

Now, in my defense, the phone calls were important ones.

Really.

About two-thirds the way through the second phone call, Christa walked up to me, holding up a 3x5 index card. On it, she had written: I need time with my mom.

Okay, then.

Let the guilt begin.

I confess, I did not immediately get off the phone.

But, once I wrapped up my very important conversation, I gave Christa what she needed: time with me.

I am thankful Christa, like all my other children, is extremely forgiving of my mommy-mistakes. The minute I was available to her--she was ready to spend time with me. She didn't say, "Too late, Mom. You missed your chance!"

That's why I believe I've learned more about forgiveness and God's grace from my children than from anyone else.

May I be like a little child ...

And next time, I hope I don't need a hand-written sign to tell me what my child needs from me.