The Test

We celebrated Ladybug's birthday a few days ago. It was to be a girl's day out.  We do not get to spend much alone time just as girls. This day was special. It was her day, she was able to be a girly girl. It was to be a day filled with finding a new leotard and getting a much needed haircut. Excitement was in the air.  Only, on the way to the store I could feel the beginnings of a migraine. I ignored it because this day was important and nothing was going to rain on it. We found what we were looking for and headed towards the salon. By the time she was finished I could barely hold my head up. We picked up Big Brother and I had to admit defeat.  She graciously understood I couldn't finish our special day. It was decided we would pick up some cupcakes and ice cream at WalMart. She did ask if she could take her birthday money and look a bit. How could I refuse? We paid for our items and waited for Big Brother to finish getting a drink.  Hhmm, he is taking a long time.
Big Brother finally rounds the corner holding a book in hand and asks if I can purchase it for him. I gently reminded him that this was not his day and we had already discussed this. He turns to go, but something changed my heart. I stopped him and gave him the money needed. By now, the once empty quick check out lines are full and many are over their 20 item limit. My head is pounding and my legs feel like cement. "Oh, please hurry." I look to see a sweet older woman offering to let him get ahead of her. He refuses. All I could think was,"Oh, Big Brother, you now I am hurting.  You know we need to pick up Wooly Sheep and Jay Bird." He then proceeds to put his book down and empty her cart onto the belt. He stands back in line. As the cashier is ringing up the numerous items Big Brother leaves his spot and begins to put the filled bags back into her cart. I look down to see Ladybug grinning from ear to ear at me. She knows he is doing something special. She realized he is being the hands and feet of Christ. As Big Brother is being checked out I turn away so he does not notice me watching. He is standing taller with his shoulders back when he joins us. Big Brother, too, realizes he has done something special. I say nothing in the store. Major Dad and I have often shared with the children that doing right when no one is looking is rare and special. I wanted to let that sink in for a while. On the long walk to our car I look down at Ladybug and ask, "Can you hear that?" Of course, she hears nothing and begins to think her mom has lost it as I insist I hear something. Finally, I tell them that I can hear the words "Well done. Well done." Ladybug did not get it, but Big Brother looked over at me and simply said, "Thank You."
Some may be thinking,"Where's the test?" You see, this simple exercise in courtesy was a bigger test than I could ever give him in any subject. This was about character, pride, loving on strangers, stepping out of our comfort zone. He passed with flying colors. Haley did too. By not putting up a fuss at the change in plans she showed maturity. Major Dad and I want our children to be sensitive and alert to what God is asking of them daily. I get goosebumps thinking how God can use them if they are only willing.