“I will comfort you there in Jerusalem as a mother comforts her child.” Isaiah 66:13 NLT

The Shopping Cart

Walk His Way Revisited

“Tender hearts need tender care.” (Janet L. Weaver)

A year ago, my niece and her husband adopted a “special needs child” from China. They had the opportunity to fly to China to meet their new little one at the orphanage. She was two years old at the time and spoke only Mandarin—and very well, I might add. They were able to visit the country for about a month, along with their biological daughter, who was four at the time; other family members joined them there too.

Day by day my niece was able to welcome and comfort their new little one and all the while reassuring and comforting their biological daughter as well. She had been the only child in the family up to this point in her little life, and now she was to gain a little sister. They began their journey of getting acquainted with each other. They, as a family, were able to experience the culture and learn the history of their new family member.

This little one is now three years old, and has settled very well into her new family and is learning the English language. She exercised this language one day as she and her mother were shopping. She looked up at her mother and asked this question: “Can I get in the shopping cart and lay down?” Her mother replied, “Sure, but it may not be very comfortable.” The little one responded by saying, “But I will be grateful.”

I don’t know if this little one chose to lie down in the shopping cart or not—either way, she was undoubtedly tired. Rest assured, as any loving mother would do, this child would have been cuddled and comforted no matter what choice was made—and she would have been grateful.

“God makes our lives a medley of joy and tears, hope and help, love and encouragement.” (Author Unknown).

Thank You, Lord, for revealing and reminding Your simple truths through the words and actions of little children. Thank You for the words and actions from loving mothers everywhere. Thank You for the understanding and comfort You show us in our daily lives, for we are ever so grateful. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.