Yes, No, Maybe

We each made our own sacred place to pray--Azure was cold and drew a blanket around herself

We've always taught our children to pray.  I believe strongly that a child needs more resources than their parents and teachers for guidance, regardless of their religious beliefs.  Even Clover knows to bow her head, fold her chubby little arms, and proclaim "AY-MEN!" at the close [or sometimes before] the end of a prayer.  A few weeks ago we were discussing how God always answers our prayers.  Pearl [always Pearl!] perked up and hastily replied that He most certainly did not answer her prayers, specifically the one where she asked to find panther.  It caught me off guard that we had failed to teach our children about what to expect after one prays as we were so focused on the why and how of prayers. 

So, of course, this was lesson time.  We talked about how they ask us questions and we answer those questions in many different ways.  The answer could be yes, no, you need to wait, or any variation on those three.  This applies to prayers.    I so often forget this myself when I want an answer and I want it now, and I want the answer that I desire.  Or I take the time to pray and ask, but then fail to listen to what the answer may be.  I hope that our children will learn this concept better and sooner than I, for it will greatly benefit their spiritual growth.  We told them that what they learn in church, at school, or in our home they can take to God and receive their very own answer.  Everyone likes to know for themselves a surety of truth--and they should.