October 23 – “Just the basics”

I never cease to be amazed at the wit and wisdom and take on the world around them of the youngest of young children. 

Our grandson Josiah, who is well into his second year of life, shared an especially poignant piece of information with Chris the other day when he and his brothers spent the day with us.  He is in the later stages of potty training, and doing quite well, I might add.  On several occasions he made known his need to take care of such bodily function and made to the appropriate receptacle in record time.  A few times he didn’t bother with appropriate receptacles.  Like when he and I were outside playing.  The time came and he simply removed the most immediate obstacle to the accomplishment of his goal – his pants – and took care of the situation.  After all, they do live out in the country.  What could be so wrong here that is fine out there? 

Now on this particular occasion, as happens with all of us at one time or another, he seemed to be having a particularly difficult time in the proverbial “number two” department.  He made it to the potty in plenty of time, but once there, he just couldn’t quite finish the job.  After two or three such attempts, as he was once again enthroned, so to speak, he quipped to his dear grandmother, “Nani, my poop’s broken.”  What a perfect description of how it feels to be constipated.  Says it all.  Succinct.  No excess verbiage.  No question as to nuances of meaning.  Just broken.  Indeed, Josiah.  I have been there.

Psalms 34:17-18 says, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

 Father, hear the cries of our friends and family who particularly need you today.  Jennifer is troubled about her surgery that had complications.  Jerry is wondering what is going on with blood clots and extreme coughs.  Be close to them.  Deliver them.  Amen.