I shared this story from 4 years ago at the women's study at church last week. How often do we -- do I -- complain about what I don't have and then fail to rejoice at God's goodness to others? I've never forgotten this - how 4yo Gavin demonstrated what it means to rejoice with those who rejoice, even when -- especially when -- there's nothing in it for me.
Celebrating Mason's birthday with all four grand-littles together -- for three delightful hours on a Sunday afternoon -- was pure joy.
Celebrating Mason's birthday with all four grand-littles together -- for three delightful hours on a Sunday afternoon -- was pure joy.
They are gifts of immeasurable worth -- each one of them, and I'm inspired by their examples of an innocent faith and joy in the simple pleasures of life.
With individual and unique personalities and character traits, they are both a challenge to parent (and grandparent) and a source of great delight and entertainment -- keeping us on our knees one moment and rejoicing in laughter and God's blessings the next.
Four and a half year old Gavin is a perfect example. There's no denying it -- he can be a handful. Strong willed, rambunctious and not the most compliant little boy, yet I've never seen a child be happier with any gift he is given or be a more cheerful giver than Gavin. Though he wants them back when the game is over, he often plays at giving his toys away as gifts.
At Mason's party, Gavin watched with excitement as both Mason and two year old Austin opened gifts from the family. Not once did he sulk or complain that there were no gifts for him. If I had been Gavin, I might have felt sorry for myself -- the only one, except for six month old Addisyn, to not have a present to open. But standing in the middle of all the excitement, the floor littered with wrapping paper and most of Mason's and Austin's gifts opened, Gavin happily declared, "This is the best day ever."
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
At Mason's party, Gavin watched with excitement as both Mason and two year old Austin opened gifts from the family. Not once did he sulk or complain that there were no gifts for him. If I had been Gavin, I might have felt sorry for myself -- the only one, except for six month old Addisyn, to not have a present to open. But standing in the middle of all the excitement, the floor littered with wrapping paper and most of Mason's and Austin's gifts opened, Gavin happily declared, "This is the best day ever."
I want to be more like Gavin -- a cheerful giver who wholeheartedly rejoices at the gifts of others.
Photos: that delightful Sunday afternoon and this mimi with all four grand-littles - Austin, Mason, Addisyn and Gavin.
