My sense of things, second ed.

I taste black english breakfast tea.

I listen to my little girl offer her stuffed friends and dolls ice cream.

I feel like I wish my spirit was stronger.

I see vibrant green leaves against a grey, gloomy sky.

I smell the old, heavy, floral perfume my grandmother gave to me that we sprayed in the room just to see what it would be like.

The examined heart

Audrey was invited to a birthday party for her little friend today. We had chosen a perfect gift for the birthday girl just a few days ago. But this morning, I found Audrey walking around the house with a shopping bag asking what else we can give to Mei Mei. She had filled it with her own hair barettes, ribbons, animal cards, finger puppets...some of her little treasures.

"What else would Mei Mei like, Mama?"

"We bought her something already, Audrey. That will be enough."

"No, Mama, Mei Mei is special. She needs a special present. She will love these things."

She continued to fill her little bag. She presented these trinkets to her friend with little fanfare and true joy.

This evening, I told her that she was so nice to give some of her special things to Mei Mei.

"You have a kind heart, Audrey."

"No, Mama, sometimes my heart is unkind. I need Jesus to help me."

Her humility penetrates my own selfish heart. Her knowledge of her sin, her deep need of Jesus, that only his Spirit in us brings real kindness. Do I know so well what is true?