I’ve recently determined that I owe a lot more than a corrected crossbite and an empty pocketbook to my daughter’s orthodontist. I also owe him for a newly developing relationship with my daughter, Avery.
You see, if you happen to be one of the lucky few steeped in orthodontia (sarcasm fully intended) then you will understand that it is a very time-consuming process. And if you are also the type who likes to choose an office located in what could be potentially the farthest section of town, like me, you soon learn that there will be many a car ride to and from appointments in your future.
What I’ve also come to realize is that the long car ride is not only the perfect arena to bust out some serious ”Mamma Mia” but it also allows a prime opportunity to converse with my daughter.
And she’s funny. Her seven year-old intellect is still young enough to be adorable but mature enough to come up with some thought-provoking topics.
On our most recent journey to the orthodontist’s office she was throwing out some real doozies.
“I want an iPhone,” she says, rather randomly.
“Um, why? You’re seven. What would you do with an iPhone?” I asked.
“Uh, make phone calls. It’s an i—phone, mom.”
Riiight. Thanks for pointing that out.
Not long after the iPhone conversation, I threw in a Christian music CD, Point of Grace. Although I’m not a huge Christian music fan, I’ve always loved this particular group and honestly think I should have been invited to join. I mean, I can sing me some Point of Grace. Granted, in order to fully appreciate my sound, it’s necessary for me to perform from my vehicle. But I’m pretty sure I could have phoned my part in. Anyway.
Avery was listening intently to the music and said, “This song is really good. It’s about Jesus.”
“It is a good song,” I agreed.
“Hey, did you know that Jesus is in our hearts? It makes Him happy when we sing about Him,” she preached.
“Yes. And we should be very glad that He’s in our hearts,” I added.
“Yeah. God was really busy when He made the world. Did you know He’s got the whole world in His hands?”
Now, at this point I must admit I was a bit flustered. We are a Christian family and have attended church services (full disclosure: nowhere near as often as we should) but Avery’s sudden interest in conversing about God was a little startling. I had to check the backseat to make sure Billy Graham wasn’t riding shotgun, feeding her lines. She seemed so resolute. I was proud of the little gal.
After the mini-sermon, we reached Avery’s orthodontist’s office, heard the standard “another six weeks, yada, yada, yada” and headed back towards home.
On the drive through town I made a startling observation. In almost 12 city blocks we had not yet had to stop for a single red light. It was as if my car had been equipped with some little “green light guarantee” doo-dad. We cruised through each and every intersection, smiling broadly at the cross traffic sitting at their respective traffic lights as we blew through ours.
I said, “Wow, Avery. We got really lucky with the traffic lights. Not a single red one. That almost never happens.”
And then Avery, in all of her newly acquired spiritual wisdom, said…
“Yeah…I bet it’s ’cause of all the Jesus music.”
Man, I love that girl.
Happy Friday All!
Mindy
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Angela
Yep, Jesus music equals no red lights. I am pretty sure I read that somewhere.
Awww, what a sweet post. I am so glad that you are enjoying the extra time with Avery.
You’ve really got to love what comes out of their mouths at that age.
It’s amazing the conversations that take place in cars. I think we do our best talking there.
Love it! You know, I have had many of those conversations in the car.
Make the most of every opportunity . . .
I think we should do a survey of adults and see how many of them have not had orthodontia work. In fact, it is one thing I noticed when we have traveled to other countries. A lot more crooked teeth. My daughter and I had braces together and that was fun!
I love car time. They are trapped and cannot get away so you can bring up any subject at all. It’s also not face to face, so some of the pressure is off.
Her comments are so cute. I love how everything is black and white at that age.
♥Spot
Gotta love Avery’s logic! I like Point of Grace, too. You cracked me up when you said you had to look back to make sure Billy Graham wasn’t riding shotgun!
Just tell her if she wants to make phone calls, the iPhone is NOT the right device for her. Ask anyone with one. My husband has one…and almost every time we talk, he drops the call and has to call me back. Yet I’m getting one myself in a couple of months…I guess talking on the phone isn’t as much a priority for me! I just want it for the fun apps and being able to read blogs anywhere…
Yes! Yes! It was the spirit! The spirit moving the lights-ah-ah! Pah-raise him! (pointing to the sky here).
Sorry it was my best Preacher Dollar I got.
Avery is such a doll!! Love Point of Grace. Wishes is one of my favorite songs.
That was the cutest thing, I shed a few tears.
Kids are totally open to God at that age. My youngest wanted to “ask Jesus in her heart” in Kindergarten. I tried to be vague about it, and wasn’t sure if she really got it all. Then one day she said, “Mommy. I need Jesus to be in my heart. If he doesn’t save me, how do you know I won’t go to hell?”
WOW!
I love kid conversations.