bedtime ritual

Charlie and Timmy go to bed around 7pm, both requiring a last gulp of milk or water before hitting the hay. Usually I give Charlie his cup of water and kiss him goodnight before shutting off the light. Lately though he has insisted, "Sit down, wait for me," before he hands the cup back, "look at the stars." It is not something I normally do these days, life in a family with 5 little ones to bathe, read to, and put to bed does not encourage star gazing. But Charlie's bed backs up to the window giving him ample opportunity to count dots of light while he drifts off to sleep. I find it peaceful now to sit with him in the dark and look up and then down in wonder at two of God's creations.