One (or two) of Those Moments

So this afternoon Andrew and I headed to San Marcos to do a little bit of shopping. One of the items on our "to do" list was to pick up toys for our Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes. Because Andrew is four he's a little on the egocentric side. Okay, maybe I should say a lot on the egocentric side. I think this is pretty normal for four year olds. They don't realize there is a world outside their world.

So I was trying to explain to Andrew that we were buying gifts for children in other countries. First lesson of the day, don't try to explain anything to a four year old. It's a waste of breath. I went through all the ins and outs of why we wanted to give gifts to these children, and Andrew kept insisting that they didn't need anything. In the middle of the store, in front of anyone and everyone, he kept saying, "Those kids in those other countries are fine . . . they don't need anything. I need some cool toys." Gosh darnit, that was one of my proudest moments in parenting.

Finally, I just said something to the effect of, "Look Buddy, we're buying these toys for kids in other countries because I said so. You're going to be good, you're going to be giving, you're not going to get anything, and you're going to like it. Got me?" That ladies and gentlemen might be my second proudest moment as a parent. I'm sure that everyone around us was thinking this lady is a complete looney tune.

Which brings me to lesson number two, when purchasing toys for underprivileged children in other countries, do it alone. If you want to have your child help you pack the boxes then more power to you, but at least do it in the privacy of your own home so you can send your precious child to his room when he starts acting up.

All joking and sarcasm aside, I'm determined to teach Andrew the importance of giving to others. To me it's one of the greatest lessons we can learn in life. We are so blessed to live in the country we live in, and although it's been my soapbox lately, I just have to once again encourage you to find a way to give to others. Even if you can't give much, you would be amazed out how far a dollar can stretch, and you'll also be amazed at how blessed you are in return. And now I'll get off my soapbox. :)

Have a great Monday everyone!