Will and Lilly: Episode Three – Eyes Open, Hearts Soft.
- Terry W. Bailey
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
The following day at breakfast, Will and Lilly’s kitchen felt slightly different. The smell of coffee and toast still filled the air, but there was a seriousness in the room. Their dad stood by the window, reading quietly, while their mom flipped pancakes at the stove.
Lilly broke the silence. “Mom… why does it feel like school isn’t just school anymore? Like there’s something… under it all?”
Their mom turned around slowly. “Because there is, sweetheart.”
Will sat up straighter. “Like what?”
Their dad set his Bible down. “Like the world’s changing faster than it used to. And not always in a good way.”
Their mom nodded. “Some kids are hurting. Some have been taught things that pull them away from kindness and truth—even from knowing how loved they are.”
Lilly asked, “Why are some so mean online? Like what they did to Jake?”
Their dad’s voice softened. “Yes. And it’s why you must keep your eyes open—but keep your hearts soft.”
“What does that mean?” Will asked.
Their mom smiled gently. “It means you’ll learn how to see things. To know when someone’s just having a bad day… and when someone is choosing to be cruel. You’ll need to be wise and kind at the same time.”
Will and Lilly exchanged a glance. This felt bigger than just schoolyard stuff.
Their dad continued, “You’re going to meet people who don’t care about what’s right—and some who don’t care about you. But that’s when you remember who you are—and Whose you are.”
Their mom leaned closer. “And that’s why we stick together. As a family. As followers of Jesus. No matter how hard it gets, we stand tall but never stop loving.”
Later that day, at school, Will and Lilly walked past the same kids laughing at their phones. This time, instead of feeling lost in the noise, they could almost hear their parents’ words echo: Eyes open, hearts soft.
Sitting on their porch swing that afternoon, Will asked, “So, it’s not about fighting people?”
“No,” Lilly said, smiling. “It’s about fighting for them—even if they don’t see it yet.”
The wind rustled through the trees, and for the first time, Will and Lilly felt ready to see the world as it was—and still walk through it in love.
Parents or Young Readers: Have you discussed these two critical issues—how to keep your heart soft in a challenging world and recognize when you’re in a Spiritual battle, not just a disagreement?
Thankfully, Will and Lilly have well-balanced parents rooted in their relationship with Jesus and building their lives on the Rock, not the sand.
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