Lessons from Christen

This Christmas season has been special because Chris has come of age to understand, appreciate, and participate in the activities we've done.

We started out making a sock advent calendar to count down to Christmas, and she helped to clip the little socks on the ribbon and to stick the numbers on the socks. She was so excited to see what was in the sock for the day, and I was amazed she knew exactly which day it was. I put treats, verses, time tickets with Mommy and Daddy in the socks.

We've also baked cookies for friends and people around us.

But most of all, it's been special because of the lessons she's taught me. When we were in the car going to a friend's house to have a Christmas celebration, she said, " I don't want to get any more presents. I have enough presents already." At that point in time, she only had one present under the tree. I thought she was just kidding. When our friends gave her a present, she said, " I don't want any more presents." I was thinking, " Well, Mommy would like more presents!" My little one taught me what contentment was.

On Christmas day, we opened presents, and Christen received this Princess stationery set. I knew she had friends who really liked them, and would appreciate it more than her. So I asked if she was willing to give it away to them. She said, " I really like it too, but I'll give it to my friend."

I was so proud of my gal! I was also humbled by her willingness to give, and it reminded me of how God was willing to give His one and only Son to redeem our sins. I have a big lesson to learn about giving.