She's Got It...

The Reason for the Season has been discussed quite frequently in our home as we have been teaching the girls that Christmas is not a time to focus on what presents we are going to get but that it is a time to celebrate Jesus' birth. Over the past few weeks I have repeatedly explained to Aubrey that we need to be aware of others and that some are not as blessed as we are. We have discussed how we can share our over abundance of toys with little boys and girls that may not have any or give little gifts of appreciation to our neighbors and friends through baked goodies. Frequently she has made comments of selfishness that leads me to believe that she is not understanding. So, I repeat the explanation of how it makes us, the recipients, and God feel so happy when we share with others. Well, today she proved me very wrong.
As we were getting ready to hop in the car to go to Christmas Eve service she asked me to put some cookies on a paper plate. She then proceeded to "wrap" it with a napkin and tape. In my hurriedness I abruptly said "Aubrey, finish that when we get back home...we are going to be late". She replied, "But I want to take these to Jesus". I still had a put out attitude and urged her to hurry. We proceeded to get in the car and were on our way. When we arrived at church Brian asked me what the plan for the cookies were. Aubrey immediately piped up "I want to give these to Jesus". I rolled my eyes and said that I didn't know but she really wanted to take them inside.
She very diligently carried the wrapped plate and asked where we could put them when we walked into the sanctuary. I told her that I wasn't sure and that we would find somebody after the service. I kept thinking that she may forget about "giving them to Jesus" and we would get back to our scheduled Christmas Eve. I was wrong once again...following the service Aubrey quickly grabbed her plate and looked up at me with those precious brown eyes and said "Now can I give them to him Mommy?" I now realized that we had to find a place to leave them for Jesus. So, I started thinking fast...we couldn't just leave a random plate of cookies on the altar. After the sanctuary cleared we found one of the pastors and when I pointed him out to Aubrey she walked right up to him and said "These are for Jesus". She completely caught him off guard, he looked up at me as I gave him the "just take them" look, and then quickly told her he would make sure he would get them.
As we walked away I felt two emotions:
Joy because my daughter GOT IT and humility when I reflected on my thoughts and actions during this experience. This was definitely a time when I needed to slow down and let my 4 year old take the lead. It will be a very fun day as we celebrate Jesus' birth tomorrow.