Prayers, They Just Take So Long

Seven-Forty is the time we say prayers in the morning, before the boys go to school. Braden always volunteers to say it. I thought it was because he actually loved it. Come to find out, he likes to say prayers so he can control how long they take. One morning this week I told him I would like to have a turn and he reluctantly allowed it. I prayed for each child individually and listed their strengths in hopes they would feel loved and important. I prayed for our dear prophet, our ward members and the missionarys, etc. Afterwards we gave hugs, and said the familiar phrases of, "I love you, have a great day at school, good-bye, etc." They ran out the door to the bus. A few minutes later the boys returned on the verge of tears. Braden announced, "Mom, your prayer took too long and we missed the bus. I knew that would happen. I get to say the prayer for the next year then it can be someone else's turn."