Struggles & Temptations 💙🍼💙

Grayson feeding Wyatt 4/2/2019

Grayson was not quite one year old when his cousin Wyatt was born. He loved his cousin but for the first few months, Grayson had no problem with grabbing Wyatt's bottle, sometimes even when Wyatt had it in his mouth. Both boys would be in tears.

Despite attempts by everyone to get Grayson to drink from a cup, he believed he deserved to share Wyatt's bottle when they were both at my house. This photo was taken soon after he had to give up his bottle. He loved helping take care of the baby and wanted to feed Wyatt... but the wistful expression on Grayson's face vividly shows that he would love to have the bottle for himself.

The temptation was strong, but he resisted his own wants to help his cousin be fed. Baby steps for some, but a big step for someone who was almost still a baby. This was a proud moment.

10 Months Later...

Grayson, Wyatt, & Koda 1/31/2020

Less than a year after feeding Wyatt without  taking a drink for himself, 2-year-old Grayson has become a pro at feeding babies. Here he is feeding two of his cousins, Wyatt and Koda, AT THE SAME TIME!! He is a great helper, especially with his younger cousins! 

Perhaps there were still a few nostalgic memories of the "good ol' days" when he had a bottle, too.

Enjoy the seasons of life, and remember both the good times and the teaching moments...but most important, help the others who are where you once were.

Halloween

Halloween can be a very controversial day and I am not going to dispute with anyone about whether it should be celebrated or shunned entirely. I dislike the frightening or evil side that some seem to enjoy, but I don't like that stuff the rest of the year either.

To me, it is the beginning of a season of Sharing and Caring. I have no problem with kids dressing up, getting treats, playing games, and just simply having fun. Giving out candy may not exactly be the same as "And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of My followers, you will surely be rewarded." (Matthew 10:42), but it does work on similar principles. Giving treats and joy to kids is one of the earliest examples of sharing and giving that kids can grasp. It is offered freely and without anything being required in return. Hmmm, that concept sounds familiar too!! "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God." (Ephesians 2:8)

My very first Halloween was when I was only 3 months old, so I have no memory of it. But I have always treasured the story my mom told me about it. Oct 31st of that year she was a young mom, and probably exhausted from taking care of her first child (although I am sure I was a perfect child! LOL!). My dad was working 2nd shift so it was just the 2 of us when there was a knock on the door. When the costumed kids yelled out, "Trick or Treat!!," my mom realized she had forgotten all about Halloween. She apologized to the group of kids and explained that all she had to offer them was her baby's bottle. A couple of hours later, the same group of kids returned...bringing Mom a bag of candy from what they had received from neighbors! They wanted to share with someone who had none.

So, I think of Halloween as the first day of Sharing Season. During the coming weeks, people will be donating food, toys, etc. for others less fortunate for Thanksgiving and Christmas. So, just think of this as your first opportunity to give to others---whether you think they are deserving or not. At the least, it is a great example to give to children about simple acts of giving and kindness. Life can be sweet and fun --- if you let it!!!

🎃HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!🎃