Look up

Bathtime for Talitha is almost enjoyable again. She doesn't like to get in the bathtub but once started--and sitting down--she likes to play and then usually complains that she's not ready when it's time to get out.

It has been many months since she has been willing to let us cradle her head in our hands and lay her back in the water to get her hair washed. We're not sure if her ears are more sensitive now or what--definitely something. Now I don't even try to lay her back but instead just pour water on her head before applying a little shampoo.

Tali doesn't like to get water in her eyes. (I'm not aware of any child that does.) She instinctively puts her head down to protect her eyes. The head being down makes the water run right into her eyes. Of course that frustrates her...and me. So, I've been asking her to put her head up by saying "look up....look up at the ceiling." But that doesn't make any sense to her so she just keeps putting her head down ... and getting water and soap in the eyes.

I'm not one to give up easily so the last two times, I've tried showing Tali why the water keeps getting in her eyes. I have her look at me while I pretend to pour water on my head, first with my head in the "look up" position (where all is smiles as the water runs down my back) and then with my head in the downward, get-water-and-soap-in-the-eyes position complete with the imitative flustering and sputtering of the arms and head. She enjoys the demonstration and asks to see it again.

Well today, she finally decided to give her dad's crazy suggestion a try. When I said "look up", she did; and the water poured off her hair down her back instead of into her eyes. Both of us were delighted with the outcome.

At Easter time, I feel an even stronger, heavenward tendency to feel and express gratitude. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

How easy with life's trials, challenges, and responsibilities to get road weary, troubled, and tired. My instincts at such times don't always serve me. Too often when I feel life pouring down on my head, I look down with fear and get a face full. My Father in Heaven invites me to "look up"  with faith as a better way to endure the cleansing He desires me to have.  "Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God..." (Mosiah 7:19) 

I'm grateful for His loving ways, kindness, and patience. He lives!

Look up!