Just One of my Proudest Moment (so far...)

I have never been more proud of this little guy, and let me share why... When we were pregnant with Levi, Aaron & I did a lot of talking about what kind of parents we wanted to be and what kind of kids we wanted to raise. To say the least we had high expectations, but who doesn't when you are expecting your first child. Everyone wants their kids to be well mannered, respectful, smart, obedient, resourceful, kind, and giving individuals. In my short time as a parent I have quickly learned that for children to be those things they must see them modeled in their home. This is not to say that I am good at any of it, but I do try to model for my kids the characteristics that I hope they develop. Although I fail daily at this task in one way or another, God is faithful and He is teaching my kids in spite of my own efforts. This story is really a testimony of the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.

Stuff. We all have it and we all want more and more of it. We are taught that we can have anything and everything we ever dreamed of with a little hard work, sacrifice, and a little luck. We have more "stuff" than we could ever need, and when we get new "stuff" we just add it to our pile of old "stuff."

A few days after Levi's birthday we told him it was time to go through his room and pick out things he was willing to give to someone else to make room for his new toys. We started this when he was born, but now that he is older we felt it was time that it became his responsibility. Aaron took him into his room with a box and told Levi to start filing it up with what he wanted to give away. Now let me say that our son does not have a lot of toys as it is. No huge playrooms full to the brim of every toy a child can dream up. He simply has a toy box in his room and a few toys in the garage. At first he was hesitant and Aaron had to push him along, but once he put something in the box, he got excited. Excited to give away ALL his toys. I was completely touched at his willingness to part with some of his favorite things because he knew it would bless someone else. In fact I tried to talk him into keeping a few things (because he played with them quite often) to which he replied "No Mommy. They are for Jesus." I've never been more proud. Its times like these that make parenting and all the sacrifices totally worth every ounce of sweat and tears. I couldn't be more proud of him.

I hate that I'm just getting around to posting this, but better late than never.