They deserve so much more credit than we give them sometimes

My boys and I have seen the salvation army bell ringers a few times now, and each time we do, I grab some spare change from the front of the car and give it to them.  Each time we take turns dropping the coins into the bucket, I briefly share with the boys about the importance of giving to others who don't have as much as we do.

Truthfully though, I think I really thought that deep down--though I don't know if I would have admitted it or not--that the concept was above the boys' head.  I know Colin understands, but I didn't think Cameron and especially Ethan were really 'getting it'.

Today, loading up our van, Ethan found a lost quarter in the driveway.  He picked it up, and for 10 minutes in the car he absolutely rejoiced over his new found cash.  ("My qwatter! My qwatter!!")

A quarter is a really big deal when you are three.

We arrived at our stop about 10 minutes later, stopping at a store for a quick errand.  As soon as we started filing out of the car, the boys heard it.

The bell was a ringin'.

Ethan immediately hopped back into the van, went over to his seat, and grabbed his prized quarter.  When I asked him what he was doing, his exact words were:

"I'm going to give this qwatter in that wed bucket so that udder widdle kids have money to eat food like we do."

And, right there in that 10-degree, covered-with-snow parking lot, I melted.  (Don't think I didn't tear up a little bit, too.)

I'm so thankful for that little guy--for ALL of my little ones--and for the reminder today that they catch so much more than we think they do.  They bless me each and everyday.