Golf Balls and Answered Prayer

An odd picture to say the least, but the story is worth telling. About a month ago, E and Henrik were out on an exploration walk around our apartment complex. The adventure included all the regular stops - the trunk of Henrik's car (a huge favorite of the E-man), the drains along the edge of the street, any odd shaped stick or rock - you know, the regular boy stuff. However, on this particular night, E found a golf ball! A real treasure! Nearby they found a downspout and Henrik thought it would be fun to see if the golf ball would roll all the way through - it did, and of course E was thrilled.

So an adventure to find more downspouts ensued. (These are the kind that run underground, away from the building. ) Sure enough, the boys would drop the golf ball in, and a few seconds later, it would appear 10 or 20 yards away. What fun they were having until . . . you guessed it, the golf ball went in, but didn't come out. E was devastated. Henrik explained that the drain was probably blocked and it would take some rain to "flush out the golf ball".

Finally, this past week we had a real downpour. The boys and I were watching the storm at the window and I said something about how God was watering the trees, grass and plants with the rain. Right after I said it, Erik bowed his head and prayed "God, please flush out my golf ball. Amen."

It was precious. Too cute. But what really cracks me up was the thought that ran through my mind . . . "Should I if find a substitute golf ball to make sure the prayer is answered? Or, should I explain that God doesn't always give us what we want . . . He may have a different plan in mind?"

Later that evening, when Henrik and E walked in with that golf ball I laughed so hard at myself and had to confess my lack of faith. Of course God can and wanted to answer yes to that simple little 2 year old prayer. The beautiful faith of a child.

The picture is of the golf ball being put to bed in a dishtowel. Erik thought it needed an #7 on its back, too. As he tucked it in he said "Stay in bed and be quiet golf ball - good night - love you."