He was intent on taking his Spider-Man wallet to the mall. It wouldn’t even fit in the tiny back pocket of his jeans, so I assured him I’d keep his money safe in my purse. All $.75 of it.
What he thought he’d buy with those five nickels, three dimes and twenty pennies, I have no idea. But he wanted to find something.
My husband and oldest son were camping for the weekend, so I had taken my little guy and his older sister to the mall on Saturday to get some early Christmas shopping done. And wow – were we productive! We spent 2 1/2 hours moving from store to store, searching and finding – it was one of the best days shopping with kids I’ve ever had! The best part was, I didn’t hear a single complaint. Not a one. We were in the Christmas spirit and the second to last week of November hadn’t even started. Miracles are everywhere….
Our last stop was in the Marbles Brain Store, where the kids were looking for a gift for their older brother. While trying out every gadget in the place, my sweet little guy emerged from a corner with one of those magical, classic toys. A blue rubber bouncy ball.
His eyes were aglow with delight.
“Mom – I want to buy this.”
“Well, it costs $1.99 and you only have $.75 in your wallet. That isn’t enough.”
His face fell, and it about broke my heart.
“I tell you what. I’ll buy it for you, and when we get home, you can pay me back from your piggy bank.”
“Really?!!”
He was SO surprised. This kind of thing had never been done before. Mom buying a toy – for me! – spontaneously?!? Unheard of.
“Yes.”
“OK!!!! Thanks, Mom!”
When we got home and I took the ball out of the bag for him, he ran off giggling. I had no intention of making him pay me back. At this point, he’s 5, and not earning the coins that are in his bank; they are just pieces he’s picked up here and there. We can discuss larger lessons about hard work and sacrifice when he’s older. For the moment, I was content to just to see him enjoy this gift.
But what surprised me, was what happened next. Hardly a minute had passed when he came running back into the room and threw his arms around my waist and squeezed. Just squeezed. A good, loooooong, hug-squeeze.
“Thank you SO much, Mommy,” he said.
Hearing those five words was absolutely the very best part of my day. And therein was my lesson.
If I want to warm the heart of The Giver, all I really need to do is to run to Him with arms outstretched and a deeply grateful heart. I couldn’t pay Him back for all the blessings He’s given me if I had all the riches in the world.
I wish you and yours a joy-filled and blessed Thanksgiving.
