For Me or For My Children

I was struck by something the other day.  I had first picked up the first redone versions of the Elsie Dinsmore books at the library so that I could see how they would do as readers or read alouds for Laura.  I loved them, so I raced to the library to check out the next two.  Oh, I'll definitely use them with Laura.  But as I was rushing to get to the library to get the next two, my fifteen year old asked me, " Mom, are you getting them for Laura or for you. Aren't they kids books?"

Ok, I guess they could be kids books.  They are in the kids section of the library.  I got to thinking about my daughter's comment.  I have loved some of Laura's books immensely.  Some of them I have loved a lot more than her.  I started to think about why.  I know we are different people with a bit different tastes.  I don't think that's it entirely.

The truth is that I get a lot out of them.  I didn't grow up with a consistent Christian upbringing.  When I read these little Christian books about children, I feel like I'm getting something I didn't get as a child.  Maybe that something is a view of child-like faith.  Coming to Jesus as an adult tends to mean things aren't viewed as simple. 

Maybe I just get out of it a wonderful story about Jesus.  So many novels, even Christian ones, for adults have heavy themes.  The books for kids are gentler.  I could use gentler now and then. 

Either way, I love the books.   I usually love to read the books with Laura and share them with her.  We have had a good time reading together.  Even some of her readers I have enjoyed as I read them before her.  Song of the Brook by Matilda Nortdvetd is wonderful.  Laura doesn't read that one until after Christmas.

My hope is that, for Laura, she finds friends in the characters in these books.  Living for Christ isn't always easy.  These characters are wonderful examples for her.  I hope they help to touch her heart and mind for Jesus.

As for me, I will continue to read these wonderful books.  Having these examples in my life helps me too.  Some of these characters are becoming my friends too.