It was a warm day, and there were so many people at the festival. Landon and I had been to a soccer game earlier that morning to see our dear little friends Dustin and Paige play their games. We were already tired and a little hungry. Then it was off to a festival that would have many booths by various churches, horse back rides, and an auction to help pay for the festival. The key word for us…Free food! Free stuff for the kids! I soon realized that “free” came with a heavy price of long lines, complaining children and sweat dripping down my back. While my friends ate with their children and watched over Landon, I headed to a line that had the promise of a funnel cake at the end of it! It was really the only vegetarian thing on the menu, but I waited for what seemed like forever to get my treat, and it was scarcely worth it. Instead of grumbling, I pasted on a smile as I watched Landon and his friends in the jumping house, each one coming out every once in a while for a bite of cotton candy. Landon saw that I was eating something different and asked me if it was good. I replied, “It’s a little greasy, but it is kind of good.” He said, “Did you remember to thank God for it?” “Um, eh…Well, I actually forgot, but I’m so glad you reminded me.” I took his hand and thanked God for my treat, and remembered in my prayer the many that did not have even a morsel to put in their mouthes and asked God to bless them and to give them provision as He deems best. Satisfied, he ran off to play on the swings.
Our time continued at the festival, and Landon once more put me to shame. Before leaving for the day, the kids all wanted to get their faces painted. 
While I picked out a cute little heart to have painted on my cheek, I overheard Landon asking for a Cross. A blue Cross, and could they please make it look like the one at our Church? I looked over to watch him actually draw an Orthodox Cross for the young girl to give her an example. It was one of the prettiest Russian Orthodox Crosses, I have ever seen.
On our journey to Orthodoxy, I marvel sometimes at how Landon is often more Orthodox than I am. I’m witness to the Kingdom of God getting into his heart. It may just be in the choice of words, that he remembers to pray, or in what he chooses for face paint. But it is in those simple things in life that the Kingdom of God can shine through in the dark world we live in. When I think about how many times I have failed or fallen short as his Momma, I can only ask God to have mercy on me and give me the strength and courage to do better. I always remember to thank God for giving Jeremy and I the awesome privilege to be Landon’s parents, and I know that, every step of the way, He will continue to teach us by way of the Church, through the reading of His Word, through the guidance of His Holy Spirit, and through the grace and mercy of His precious Son Jesus. To Him be all glory, honor and praise, now and ever and unto ages of ages! Amen
Excellent post . . . very encouraging!