The price of donuts

February 24, 2009

The kids have had Monday and today off from school this week.   Usually I would think this a good thing, a fun thing, but Sunday afternoon, they just could not get along, and the days ahead, well, let's just say I wasn't looking forward to them. The kids usually do play well together, and are truly very well behaved.  Some days, though, they just needle each other as a form of entertainment.  That whole Sunday afternoon consisted of hearing their nattering back and forth, tattling on each other, teasing, tears, tantrums, the works. Brad's and my nerves were completely fried.  I think Brad was a bit grateful for work on Monday so he could escape the madness.  

I took the kids along with me to Monday morning Bible study.  There were lots of kids there with the school-free day, and mine seemed to find there what they like about each other.  I was so relieved.

I really appreciated the time to connect and have an adult conversation with other women.  Though their earlier behavior didn't warrant it, but in recognition of my kids' sacrifice of a pajama morning in order to get there at 9:15, afterwards I drove them to Tim Horton's for a donut.

It's really funny, because we hardly ever go there, that Candan stares in front of the donut case so troubled like he's contemplating the biggest decision of his entire lifetime.  (Keelin is easy... if it has sprinkles, that's the one.)

The kids got back into the car, donuts, in separate bags, of course, clutched in their hands, seatbelted into the back seat. I turned behind me to back out of the parking space and heard the most angelic sound a mommy could ever hear from her children, in unison... "Thank you, Mommy."

Man, that was worth the price of donuts.

My heart melted all over the front seat.  Right then, God put this thought on my heart. That He loves it when His children thank Him in unison.  I am sure it sounds so wonderful to a heavenly Father to hear His children collectively appreciate the gifts and blessings given to them.  What it must be like for God to hear the bickering and complaining end and the return to rejoicing, singing as one body, saying Amen all together. 

 It was worth the price of Jesus.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15