Use your words child when you cry I know that
something
is wrong I just don’t know exactly
what
that
could
be
It’s terribly
frust-er-ating when you carry on
so
must I tell you how I tear my hair out
yell-
ing bloody murder ain’t
en-light-en-
ing me to the cause of all this conster-
nation
Give me patience Lord I haven’t asked you for much
in the
last
five
minutes
Use your words child no not the ones daddy said the other day remem-
ber
he told you those are not nice
It’s just that daddy was kind of angry
oh I get it
yeah you’re right daddies misbehave sometimes too
let’s start ov-
er
We’ll use “our” words
did I tell you how you’re the answer to the prayer your mommy and I prayed
let’s find some pictures of your mommy when she was little like you
see
how much alike the two of you are
Sure we can read some stories
as
many
as
you
want
We’ll read some words
maybe we’ll learn some togeth-
er
that would be fun
My favorite word
that would
be
your
name
Write here, Joel. 
I recently learned that the Hebrew word for ‘patience’ literally means ‘long nose’. Somehow it has been helping me in situations where I get impatient, to think of myself having a long nose… 🙂 that somehow dissipates impatience.
All the best with those mealtimes. 🙂
I like that. I will place it in my toolbox and use it liberally. 🙂
Very thoughtful, I am greatly enjoying your writing and direction God’ is taking you.
Thank you so much, Penny.
very heartwarming 🙂
Thank you, Meggie. Somewhere I have a photo of my daughter in her high chair with chocolate shake all over her head. That’s my favorite word picture.