Giving, Even In Receiving

Six year old picked an elaborate stencil this year for his pumpkin.

Ten year old recognized this was way beyond six year old level dexterity. But ALSO this sweet pea recognized his parents were already thinly stretched and short on time trying to get everything done before trick-or-treating.

So ten year tells six year old he will make him something EVEN BETTER for his pumpkin. And he pulls out a piece of paper and draws the sweetest pumpkin face.

Six year old takes notice.

Ten year old tapes his drawing to the pumpkin and helps six year old stencil and then carve it out.

Six year old is ECSTATIC!

Six year old to everyone, "I have a CUSTOM STENCILED PUMPKIN! CUSTOM! NO ONE ELSE ANYWHERE HAS THIS! IT'S CUSTOM! DID YOU SEE THIS?!"

Ten year old, so genuinely touched.

Mom's heart, mush.

And as we walk into November, and this season of gratitude, I was reminded of the importance of giving... when receiving.

So often I remind myself that giving is just about giving. That when we give, we give of our best. That we give simply to give, not to receive accolades. Giving is never about us, it's about the receiver. And we give with no expectation or requirement of a thank you.

All that's true.

But what I saw in my ten year old, was the reminder of what an opportunity we have as the receiver - to also be THE GIVER.

My little six year old was the sweetest hype man for the gift he was receiving from my ten year old.

And my ten year old FELT that.

Honestly, I think it was one of those salient moments that will stand out for them when they look back. Each for different reasons.

My six year old will always remember the gift he received of a "CUSTOM STENCIL" on his pumpkin.

But there's no way my ten year is ever going to forget the way he felt when he received the gift of affirmation for the efforts and love he put out there.

Me either.

And, I'm going to remember the power we have as the receiver,

to also be the giver.