Good Morning to YOU…

“Good morning to you, good morning to you, We’re all in our places with bright smiling faces. Oh this is the way to start a new day!”Good morning to you.

This little song was introduced to me during a Sunday school class at a nearby church I attended with my then toddlers, now in their 40s. I remember how excited they would be when their teacher started to sing this song because they knew something special was about to happen. As they sat in their little wooden chairs in a half Circle the teacher would sit down in front of them with a special box. Inside this box there would be treasures surprises and sometimes special treats.

But before she would open up the box she would sing the name of each child sitting in those chairs and walk over and touch them on the head or the hand and smile. The children responded giggling smiling and filled up with the love and joy from their special teacher.

On one of those special days the teacher was sharing about what God gives us as she brought out a variety of plastic fruit and vegetables from her special box. She placed one in each child’s hands. Then she asked as if to make sure the children got the lesson right who gave us the sunlight to which the children replied God. Who gave us Mommies. Again they replied God. She then asked each child by name who eats the food they were holding. “Jason who eats the bananas? “monkeys and me” was his reply which all the children understood as the parents in back had to hold back laughter.

As a sidenote during this time of the year we had planted strawberries and we’re enjoying eating them and taking care of them along with keeping them safe from predators. When it came time for my precious little girl holding her bundle of strawberries to answer the question who eats the strawberries? Her answer matter-of-fact and loudly was “those darn birds!” She had obviously been listening to her mother tending the strawberries in the garden. Out of the mouth of babes indeed. The parents in the back could hardly contain their laughter.

That moment caught me off guard while clearly revealing what is said is not often forgotten by our young children. And that they also emulate what they absorb. Much like us as children of God as I read his word and listen to his promises, experience life sorrows and joys, and feel his love; I have the opportunity to repeat and share what I have learned with others.

I am also reminded how very special it is to hear someone say your name along with a greeting; good morning or just a simple hello. As well as the enjoyment received when giving a greeting to someone else that responds in a smile or special glint in their eye.

And so good morning to you (insert your name) good morning to you I pray you have a very special day in every way, good morning to you. May you be filled up and encouraged this day by our Heavenly Father.

Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21–23 (NIV)