I unlock the front door after another day at work and Swee’Pea and TheMonk notice my arrival from the other room. “DAAAADDDDYYYY!!!!” they scream as they barrel towards me like out of control bowling balls. I quickly set my stuff down and get down on my knees to accept the avalanche of love I’m about to receive.

After receiving my hugs and kisses (and doling out a good amount of my own), I begin to talk to Swee’Pea and TheMonk about their day. On this day, Swee’Pea had to go to preschool on her own in the morning as TheMonk had a doctor’s appointment so he could have his stuffed-up ear looked at.

Swee’Pea tells me that TheMonk missed chapel that morning at preschool.

“He did?” I ask. “Did you like chapel?”

“Yes.” replies Swee’Pea.

“Well, what was chapel about?” I inquire.

*Sigh* “It was about Jesus, Daddy. It’s always about Jesus.”

I swear I saw her roll her eyes.

We are in the bathroom, brushing our teeth, when Swee’Pea and TheMonk begin discussing what they learned in preschool that day.  The preschool they are attending is a very nice preschool that happens to be run by a Lutheran church.  As a result, Swee’Pea and TheMonk are getting a daily dose of “Jesus Time” that they really haven’t received here at the old homestead.

For instance, after the first week of preschool, as I am driving them to school, TheMonk suddenly announces from the back seat, “Daddy! Jesus died on the cross.  And then he came back to life! [Short pause]  Why did he die, Daddy?”  “Um…” I replied, not really wanting to get into the whole For Our Sins conversation with a four-year-old, “Uh, ask your teacher, Buddy.  She’ll be happy to answer that question.”

Fast forward a couple of weeks and during their teeth brushing session it is evident that Swee’Pea and TheMonk are getting a better grasp on who Jesus is.

TheMonk: “Jesus knows everything.”

Swee’Pea: [Toothbrush waving in air for emphasis] “Yep,” Swee’Pea nods knowingly, “Jesus knows everything.”

TheMonk: “Yes… Just like Santa Claus.”