Wife and Mommy

Every year, the MOPS chapter that I belong to participates in Operation Christmas Child. We fill shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, toiletries and candy for a child. These boxes are then collected and sent off to kids around the world who are in need.

This is the first year that I am involving my own children in the selection of stuff to put into the shoeboxes. We were at Target earlier this week when we walked by the Dollar-Spot. I decided it was a good time to start collecting things for our shoeboxes. I briefly explained that we were going to get some stuff for a child who does not have as much as we do.

Okay, I probably should’ve done a better job of preparing the kids for this, especially Bito, my I-Need-At-Least A-Day-Advance-Notice-If-Anything-Is-Going-To-Happen kid. The moment we entered the Dollar-Spot, he began clamoring. “Can I have some pens? I want those pens. Mommy, I need those pens. Mommy….”

I clarified to him that the things we were getting are not for us, but for a less fortunate child. We talked about all the stuff that we already have and how Mommy and Daddy, grandparents and Santa Claus are probably going to bring more. Bito still broke into tears and whimpered for some things but I kept firmly re-iterating my points to him. By the time we finished at the Dollar-Spot, Bito was resigned that none of it was for him.

On the other hand, Cupcake kept bringing different items to me and declaring, “We can give this to the kids!” I had to gently turn her away after awhile since she grabbed one of everything! I was amazed by her attitude.

I am intrigued as to why each child reacted so differently to the idea of giving to others. Is it because of their different ages and ability to understand? Is it different levels of compassion? Is it because of their birth order and how they’ve been treated in their lives up until now? Or is it something I’ll never be able to understand about my children?

So much to ponder and I am certain to overthink this to death!