Saturday morning, at Barnes and Noble, I was in the café line to order my venti Hot Cinnamon Spice tea. Just ahead of me was a young family. Dad pushed a stroller with a sleeping 8 month old boy, dressed in Carolina blue inside. Mom paid gentle attention to a four year old girl with reddish hair, a few freckles, blue eyes, and a bright smile.
The girl had stickers in her hand and one on her tan and pink stripped shirt. “I got them for being brave at the doctor this morning. That’s why I get a cookie, too.”
She twirled in a tight orbit beside the stroller and in front of me,
I asked her how she had been brave: “Did you have a vaccination?”
Her mom said, “A flu shot.” “
And I didn’t cry,” said the girl.
“What helped you to be so brave?” I asked.
“I closed my eyes and thought about God.”
I told her that I go to the doctor a lot, that I try to be brave, too, and that the way she did it would help me. “Thank you, Kara. You’re very wise.”
She giggled, introduced herself to me, and asked me about my name and birthday. By then, it was time for them to order her cookie and her parents’ coffees.
Her mother thanked me for talking to Kara. I told her it was a delight and a gift to me.
As they walked to a table and I waited for my tea, I whispered a prayer that Kara not lose her spontaneity, self-confidence, and joy. Too many of us do.
I was at the Cancer Center yesterday. I took Kara’s wisdom with me: I closed my eyes and thought about God.
Now, if I could just let myself twirl and wear stickers. . . .
Oh Guy. A perfect start to the day.
Lovely story.
Lovely telling.
Stickers are on the way😉
Thank you, Carolyn!
This is really sweet, Guy. So many times we have to close eyes and trust God so we can stand it ’til it is over. Children are full of wisdom. I wish I were young and had seven little ones to take care of and play with. I am still praying for you. Sue
Thank you, Sue!
Guy, thank you for this beautiful story about the lesson from a brave little four-year-old girl and the powerful Reformation sermon at Mars Hill.
Bill Tuck
Thank you, Bill, so much. Your affirmation means a great deal to me. Guy
Thank you for sharing this, Dr. Sayles. I’m having my very first surgery in my 48 years on Friday. I will close my eyes, too, and think about God.
Susan, I hope your surgery went well and pray that you are recovering at a good pace. Grace and peace, Guy
Thank you for sharing the wisdom of a four year old, the wisdom of Weller and the wisdom of Guy Sayles. Blessings Dianne
Thank you so much, Dianne!
What a beautiful experience! Thanks for sharing. My grandson once told me, "Grandmama, you are so brave". I think of his statement when I am frightened. Kara is very wise.
Your grandson’s words are like a benediction. I’m glad you have them—and him. Thank you, Brenda.
Awesome story!
Growing old is not for wimps, my mom told me when she was 99. So now as I approach my 77th year, I will close my eyes and think about God, and what he wants to do with me for the next few years??? I can’t twirl but I can swim and wear stickers, showing I voted, I got my flu shot and visited another old person to share a cup of tea……..Thanks Guy for always encouraging me.
Thank you, Caroline! Swimming and wearing stickers and facing forward with realistic hope are, I think, as good as twirling and wearing stickers. Peace, Guy