Ethan

Ethan on the keyboard at 10 months

When our daughter called last night, she had just finished giving one of her students a piano lesson there at home.  Our grandson, Ethan, who is nearly three, has been present much of the time for her students' lessons and loves to observe while he colors or works on a puzzle. 

His Daddy is an accomplished musician with guitar.  His Mommy plays keyboard, piano and organ.  You might say Ethan has been exposed to music all his life -- even before birth.  Back to their living room and the music lesson that is winding down.  As soon as our daughter's student left, Ethan announced, "Time for my lesson, Mommy!"

Though she's never actually given him lessons, Melissa has always taken time at the piano with Ethan.  So, she sat down and showed him how to play his part while she played the background music.  He quickly learned how to start playing only after the count of 1-2-3.  Their duet went so well, she asked if Ethan wanted to call and play it for me.

I sat here and listened to her say, "Ready?  Let's count to three now and start together."  He didn't miss a beat and played his own version of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" while she followed the actual notes.  Amazingly, he knew right where to pause and finally, to stop on the last note.  I was proud of him and told him so.

At 2 with his bongo drum

He then announced that he wanted to play and sing "Jesus Loves Me."  You know my heart went pitter-patter to hear his little voice sing that one.  I told him he'd done a good job and knew that his song made the Lord happy.  He immediately turned to Melissa and said,"I want to call Jesus and play it for Him!" Melissa patiently explained that Jesus could hear him play and sing it even without a telephone.  But that didn't quite satisfy Ethan.  He asked at least twice more, "Can I call Him on the phone?"

Wouldn't it be great if we could actually call and talk with the Lord?  Hearing His voice would be comforting, I'm sure, but think of the inconvenience of dialing and getting a busy signal.  Thankfully, He never misses even one of His children calling out when they need help or wisdom.

I'm not sure Ethan understands why the Lord doesn't have a phone.  I'm also sure He will eventually 'get it' one of these days and find comfort in the fact God doesn't need any man-made contraptions to communicate with His children.  But until he understands that, it blesses my heart to know my grandson wanted to call the Lord and share a song with Him. 

Not just any song, mind  you, but a very important song.  One of the first songs most children learn in Sunday School.  It's a song that's easy to learn, easy to understand and remember...

Ethan (age 3) and Mommy after church

Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. 
Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong! 
Yes, Jesus loves me!  Yes, Jesus loves me!  
Yes, Jesus loves me!  The Bible tells me so.

Not long ago, he received a harmonica.  Melissa called to say, "Your grandson has a surprise for you!"  He then took the phone and said, "I'm gonna play my AR-mon-ica for you, Nana."  He did, and when I asked the name of his beautiful song, he announced, "That was 'Mazing Grace." 

You keep singing and playing for the Lord, Ethan.  I'm glad you like Mommy's keyboard, your bongo drum, Daddy's guitar and your new harmonica.  I have a feeling you'll be playing to the Lord for many years to come.  

                                     Papaw and Nana love you!