Nothing is more delicious than talking with my children about God. The wonderment and awe that we share during these profound moments are so life-affirming. As I remember one particular conversation, my heart smiles.

It was a glorious evening. Michael and I sat cuddled together on the porch swing welcoming the serenity of dusk. The air was crisp, and the sky was overflowing with the extraordinary colors of the setting sun. Michael was filled with wonder and curiosity as he turned to me and asked, "Mommy, what does God look like?" I smiled joyfully and said, "The faces of God are many, my love."

The night I met your father;

The day I married him and our souls became one;

And the morning I held you as a newborn in my arms and gazed upon your angelic face;

I knew what God looked like.

The moment I watched a double rainbow appear from the dark storm clouds;

The daybreak when the morning sky was filled with magnificent shades of magenta, lavender, and sapphire;

And the twilight when I saw the brilliant sunset illuminate the mountains;

I knew what God looked like.

The evening you became very ill and I stayed up

comforting you throughout the night;

The moments I prayed for your healing;

And the dawn when you awoke smiling and healthy;

I knew what God looked like.

The day your beautiful sister came into our family;

The morning you tenderly held her for the first time;

And the moment you told her you were her big brother;

I knew what God looked like.

The days when our whole family hugged and no one wanted to let go;

The twilight when our loved ones joined the Lord in heaven;

The nights when we, as a family, gave thanks for all the blessings in our lives;

I knew what God looked like.

Michael interrupted and said rather impatiently, "But, Mommy you still have not told me what God looks like." I smiled reverently and said, "My darling, as our days and nights unfold, the precious moments we experience are woven together to form the fabric of our lives, each thread bearing the face of God. In every gift, in every challenge, in every blessing, in every obstacle, in all that is beautiful and all that is changing you can see God's face revealed. By being aware of God's presence in our lives, we will always know what God looks like."

Michael and I continued to cuddle as we watched day turn to night. As the sun disappeared over the horizon, the stars emerged one by one, glistening like diamonds against the deep blue background of the night sky. The heavenly constellations appeared, and shooting stars began to race across the enormous universe. The air was filled with peace, love, and wonder as Michael turned to me and said, "Mommy, now I know what God looks like."

This holiday season as you face the joy, the sorrow, the stress, take a moment and remember to be present in the fullness of the experience. Remember to teach your child about God's infinite presence. Remember how magical the time with your children is. Happy Holidays to all, and may God's blessings be upon you.

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Debbie Milam is the co-creator of "Empowering Our Children: Creating Connected Families, Classrooms, and Communities " . She is an occupational therapist and life coach whose work has been featured in over 300 media outlets including The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, PBS and The Hallmark Channel. Visit her website for more books and resources to help you be a highly effective parent. Visit her online at www.bestyoucanbe.org and sign up for her newsletter to receive your special report, "Creating Peace Within Yourself and Your Family." © Copyright 2008 Debbie Milam.