12 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 2

We walked into church today with the sound of coins clanging coming from my purse. It was loud enough that people looked up when we sat down, but they were safer in my purse than in the hands of my toddlers. The coins were in glass jars labeled with my sons' names and the word give. The boys were pretty possessive of their jars of coins, which is why they were safer in my purse. However, that coin clanging was the reminder for them that they are big boys.

Today was the first time the boys left us during church for the kid's liturgy. They are usually too shy to go, but I walked them to the separate room. They went around the room and had to say their name and their favorite season. I left and stood at the door more to reassure myself than them. My 4-year old said his name followed by winter. My 3-year old introduced himself and said fall. This was a pretty big milestone for us. 

Afterward, the boys ran back to their seats just in time for the offering. We took the lids off the jars and each boy got to dump their jar of coins in the basket. My 4-year old had to get used to the idea of giving up his coins. The night before they got to take their spending jars to the store and pick out a toy they could afford of $1.50 or less. This was the first time they really connected coins to toys, so giving some away was tough. It was a little easier for them when they saw us do it too. I also explained that the money would be used to help other people. 

I was very proud of my boys today. They are taking risks outside their comfort zones, like walking up in front of church or going with other kids without us. They are also following our example by giving up their coins. Those coins were precious to them, and they gave them away. We learned from each other today.