Last year we loaded everyone up, headed to Target with our shoeboxes, and set out on a new adventure with Grayson helping to select the items for the shoeboxes for the first time. He was so into the whole thing and was a joy to watch - we all had a blast! He even enjoyed packing the boxes himself and carrying them into the church the next morning. It was such a blast last year that I have really been looking forward to doing it again this year, and it did not disappoint!
Our new tradition is that each year, each of the boys will fill a shoebox with items they select for a boy their age. Since Harrison isn't quite old enough to understand and shop just yet, Grayson got to pick the items for both shoeboxes today. (Harrison did get in on the action by helping pack the shoeboxes after we got home!) Harrison woke up early this morning and wound up falling asleep on the way to Target, so instead of interrupting his nap, Matt stayed with Harrison while Grayson and I headed into the store. As we walked the aisles of Target, Grayson was constantly picking up items that caught his eye and saying "What about this?", "I think the little boy would like one of these!", and "Is this too big for the shoebox? Let's check!". It was precious to watch him really enjoy himself while picking out things that were not for him. I love that he can do that, especially during a time of year that it's so easy to get greedy.
Now, to keep it real... Guess what! Grayson's not perfect, and neither is his mommy. I know we (we = mommies, or either parent really!) tend to share the things we are proud of our children for, their successes, and leave out the hard moments or the learning moments. Well, as we headed to check-out, Grayson piped up with "Do I get a new toy now too??" Last year I was surprised that he never asked this. Instead, he was perfectly content shopping for someone else who he did not even know. A year older and a year wiser, here it came! Knowing that I'm 99% done with my Christmas shopping for both kids and that the toys he most wanted me to buy for him today are, unbeknownst to him, already hidden somewhere in our house waiting for Christmas morning, AND knowing that our intent for this tradition is an afternoon devoted to thinking of someone else during this greedy time of year, it just wasn't the time to buy a new toy. So, anticipating trouble, I explained to him that today we were only buying toys for the little boys without many toys and clothes, reminded him how many toys he already has, and that in a few short weeks on Christmas day he will be getting more new toys than could possibly fit in these shoeboxes. He was a little upset about my answer, and continued to whine a bit as we headed to check-out.
And then something happened that totally surprised me and melted my heart.
We made our way to check-out, Grayson stopped whining and started helping me unload the shopping cart (as he loooooves to do), and the cashier began to ring up our items. As she worked, Grayson started to explain to her the various items he had selected and what we're doing with everything that we were about to buy. He told her he was "taking these things home and putting them all in the boxes for the little boys who don't have much, then we're gonna take the boxes to church tomorrow and everyone else will bring their boxes too, then they'll go in trucks to all over the world and tell people about Jesus."
Wait. What just happened??? Who knew Operation Christmas Child would teach my 4 year old to talk to our cashier about Jesus?? Who knew that while I was trying to teach Grayson to think about others (especially those in need), he would remind me to share Jesus with the people right in front of us, not just the 2 little boys who will receive these 2 shoeboxes in a few weeks?? Grayson and his lack of inhibition can really teach me a thing or two!!
During school the last few weeks, we've been learning about the moon. The Bible time that goes along with this moon unit focuses on the fact that we should reflect Jesus' light in the world, just like the moon reflects the sun's light during the night. We've discussed ways we can be a light in the world, like during Operation Streetlight at Halloween, by helping with Operation Christmas Child, and various other things. Then we go to the register at Target and Grayson takes it to a whole different level. I love how having a young child is such a reminder of what it looks like to have faith like a child... total trust, total dependence, no inhibitions.
But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Luke 18:16-17
So, this year's Shoebox Saturday was a learning experience for both of us! When we got home, Grayson cooperated for a few pictures while packing up the shoeboxes, and he graciously allowed Harrison the privilege of putting a few items in the boxes himself. These are going to be the good ol' days...
P.S. I'm pretty sure everyone in my little audience already knows what Operation Christmas Child is, but just in case I'm wrong about that, here's a link to more info:
Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child
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