Life Lessons

I read a story one time of a dad who took his two children with him to the mall. When they got there, a carnival was set up in the parking lot. Naturally, the two children started asking to ride something. The dad told them that he would give them each 50 cents (must have been a grandpa remembering days gone by!:) and they could ride after the shopping was completed. The two children were handed two quarters each and instructed NOT to lose them.

After the shopping was completed, the three-some made their way to the train ride. The older sister (8 or 9 yrs old) pulled out her two quarters. The younger brother (4 or 5 yrs old) began pulling out his pockets but could not find his quarters. He only found a pocket with a hole in it. Although the dad was going to give his young son two more quarters, the sister said, "Oh here, you take my two quarters. I think it'll be more fun to stand here with Dad and WATCH YOU ride the train!"

Little brother took the quarters and was on the ride in seconds. As the train made it's way around the tracks, the dad stood outside the fence holding his daughter's hand. His other hand was inside his pocket, holding the two quarters that could have put his daughter on the train. However, he was wise enough to know that this was a life lesson for his daughter. She went home a little "older and wiser", caring a little more for her brother than she had previously.

That story ran through my head all afternoon after Hannah gave Ellie her $20 bill for Ellie's mission trip. I could have easily given Hannah a $20 bill to give to Ellie, but it would not have meant the same to Hannah.

And now...the next time Hannah wants to buy something...and she doesn't have the $$ she needs...I hope I'm as wise as the dad in the story...to let this be a life lesson for Hannah.