When Lauren is hungry, everyone is keenly aware that Lauren is hungry. She makes sure of it!

Yesterday, it was around mealtime and Lauren made her intentions known that she wanted to eat, and if dinner wasn’t ready, she at least wanted a snack. This one-year-old was on my heels as I scurried around the kitchen finishing up our meal. Whining gave way to crying, which turned into an outright fit when she realized I wasn’t going to yield.

Finally, after offering her a sippy of milk and being refused, I grabbed the nearest toy to give, hoping to pacify her temporarily so that dinner could be completed and peace restored.

Matt started laughing, as he was helping me and watching this scene unfold. He asked, “Do you realize what you just gave her?”

“Sure…she likes that toy, what’s the problem?” I retorted.

Then he started quoting this verse from Matthew 7:9-11:

“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”

You see, I had handed Lauren a toy snake when she was asking for a snack.

I’m glad I could be the object lesson for the day! Maybe next time I’ll choose a different toy…