Biting my lip to the point of pain I took a deep breath, painted an affirming smile on my face and wanted to say something, but knew that I couldn’t.

Things were tense.

She was right and I was just in no mood to argue with my five-year-old and three-year-old watching me make a fool out of myself.

Then it got worse.

Her question really provoked me.

It was brutally hot, I just got up off the ground, sweaty, covered in dirt, bleeding and pretty upset.

So, I did what any new Christian would do. But I’ll get to that in a minute…

The frustration got to me.

Back in the ‘90’s, the lawn tractors were made of steel, no plastic – at least mine was. We had a big yard, I was on a tight schedule, and the mower deck weighed a ton.

It also wouldn’t cooperate and after several long strenuous attempts to get the mower reconnected to the tractor, I stood up, gave the tractor a dirty look, and kicked it. Hard.

What happened next made it worse.

I heard a little voice behind me say, “Daddy, maybe you should pray”.

There stood two of my children who were learning about Jesus from Lorie, others at church and had obviously been listening to my family devotions.

They also knew exactly what to do.

I forgot.

So, knowing I was in no mood to be bested spiritually by a five-year-old – or pray – I took a deep breath and said, “Honey, what a great idea. Why don’t YOU go ahead and pray?”

You already know what happened don’t you.

Out of the mouth of babes: first there was strength (Psa. 8:2); and then there was praise (Matt. 21:16). I love how Jesus changes a word to connect these two verses.

We overcomplicate our faith sometimes, don’t we?

Well, at least I do.

I bent over, pulled the pin, lifted the deck and “snap”! It went right in and the drama was over.

A simple conversation with Jesus and a lesson we’d never forget.

I know it sounds overly simplistic, but did you think to pray?

Not just the big stuff.

 Everything.

Conversationally without the formality.

Talking with Jesus all day like a friend standing beside you.

It’s better than treating prayer like a spare tire in the trunk when you need it, a good-luck charm in your pocket or the urgent request to your group.

Or forgetting like I did!

Jesus and I had quite a conversation on that “stupid tractor” as I nursed a bruised ego and thankful heart.

Three decades later I haven’t forgotten a simple conversation and need them more now than ever.

Who would have thought a five and three-year-old had such power?

So, here’s my question for you:

In what ways are you inviting Jesus into every part of your day conversationally like a five-year-old and not just when it gets urgent or during your “prayer time”? It might make life simpler than you realize. Reply and share it with me; I read every response.

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