Sharing the Savior’s Story

Thanks and Anticipation

The boy was little when his mother passed away. Along with his grief, the father had to deal with the overwhelming task of trying to be both father and mother to his son. To that end, Dad planned a picnic. The day before the event father and son together picked their destination, packed the lunch, and loaded the car. Then, before getting an early start, it was time for a good night's sleep—right?

The boy couldn't sleep. Excitement of what was to come kept him tossing, turning, and twisting as only a little boy can. Eventually, he got up, crept into Dad’s room, and waited until father's sleepy eye opened. “Son, what are you doing up at this hour?”

“I can't get to sleep.”

“Why can't you get to sleep?”

“Daddy, I can't wait for tomorrow.”
“Son, we’re going to have a great time. But it won’t be nearly as great if you don’t get some sleep first. Just go back to bed and try to turn off your mind. You’ll fall asleep.”

The son did as Dad suggested—for a while. Within 10 minutes, a freshly sleeping father felt himself being prodded and poked. “Dad, Dad, are you awake?”

“I am now, son.”

“Dad, I wanted to say something before I go to sleep”

“And what did you need to say that won't wait?”

“Dad, I just wanted to thank you for tomorrow.”

Excerpt from The Lutheran Hour broadcast of: April 6, 2003