Special.

So cute Garrett has awarded nicknames for the past few months to all of us. He is always "Walnut" and now even introduces himself to other strangers as that. The cat (Eli) is now "Kevin." His dad is "Walter" and his mom is "Walter Baker, Junior." We have no idea where these names came from... but it's pretty funny.

So back in January, I asked him if I had a name. Without hesitation, he said matter-of-factly: "Special." I exploded with air and laughter, like what!? and then told his mom later, which she was more than slightly jealous that I got such a great nickname.

Well, its' pretty funny because I didn't get the connection on how I got that name until this past week...

For Christmas, I gave Garrett my favorite children's book You Are Special by Max Lucado. We read it all the time and he loves it. The short of the story is Eli (aka God) creates Wemmicks (aka people) and the whole plot is that because Eli makes them, they are special...

So I've been teaching him how special people are and we'll talk about why people are tall or short or happy or sad or whatever... and now in response to such discussions, without wondering, he'll always answer "Because God made them."

Which has taken a whole different meaning as he's casually decided that God made everything (true) but to the extent that he is so sure of his belief that God also made his toy jeeps, tractors, puzzles, etc.

Anyway, all this to say, I somehow go the nickname out of this, but as I said before, I didn't realize "Special" was given in relation to God or Eli or anything psychological at all. I just smile and love the thought that he awarded me it... Its precious and redeeming and so cute all at the same time.

But this week, I got this great e-mail from Garrett's mom, and laughed out loud as I made the connection:

While saying prayers at night with Garrett, we walk through a litany of people to bless. "God bless Mimi and Papa," etc. Last night, I said "and God bless Miss Christina." Garrett stopped me and said, no, no, don't God bless Miss Christina.

Why, I asked him.

Because Eli made her, was the answer.

:) Adorable and cute, isn't it :)