How Much Are You Withholding?
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Posted On :
Jul-01-2014
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Article Word Count :
616
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Holding another shiny Lego box at the gleaming white walled ultra-mod Lego store, he asked “how much is this one?” Every time he picked up a smaller box he seemed to learn that it was closer to fitting into his price range.
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Holding another shiny Lego box at the gleaming white walled ultra-mod Lego store, he asked "how much is this one?" Every time he picked up a smaller box he seemed to learn that it was closer to fitting into his price range.
Recently, God granted us life through adoption of sweet child #4, Arek Jan from Poland. With Arek (Abram) came lots of excitement, fundraisers, little brother responsibilities, a car payment to have a vehicle large enough to fit us all, in addition to the mounting expenses of life with four kids.
During this past winter with the Polar Vortexes, we spent many Sunday afternoons at BIG malls to cheaply entertain ourselves through this ceaseless season. I'd run a comb through several heads of hair, dress and even feel kind of cute in my new Goodwill outfit, hope that the kids' church shoes still fit and throw together a lunch as we headed out the door on Sunday mornings. Cutting up apples and packing sandwiches severely displeased that our annual income didn’t allow for us to go to Chipotle after church every Sunday. (I hate going home to eat after church. It makes me feel broke.)
"Sixty bucks," I said. Slumped over, he mumbled something along the lines of not having not enough yet but maybe in a few weeks all of his eight-year-old dreams could come true.
I yearned to be this luxurious provider and wanted to jump in with my glossy mom wallet and save him from this life lesson about delayed gratification and working toward a goal. Yet there was also the very realistic part of me, paddling to keep the family financially afloat, that winced knowing we were already several weeks behind in something very important: Abram’s earned allowance. Unfortunately, it didn’t look like we were going to catch up any time soon.
As another Sunday morning arrived, with the temperature still teetering around the single digits, I told the kids, “Well, it's a BIG mall day again, kids!" While I was busy with breakfast, hair, praying the shoes still fit them all, I notice Abram is walking heavy on his right leg, and I can't help but notice the jangle in his pocket. I inquire about the noise because I can tell he wants me to notice.
"I’ve got $11.25,” he said.
"Ok buddy, you are ready for the day at the BIG mall. Not sure if the one we are venturing to today has a Lego store or not though, okay?"
"Its fine, mom. The only money I have is $11.25 and our Sunday School class is collecting money for a water filter for a town in Haiti. I figured if I gave all I have and other kids do, too, we’ll be really close to getting one. Its only $54 for one so we’d be almost there."
My heart stopped as I witnessed the selfless giving spirit of this child. I really felt like the room went blurry except for Abram and I had x-ray vision to see his small hand rounding the bills and excessive amount of coins that equaled $11.25. His tone and his eyes were nothing less than matter of fact. There was not necessarily excitement in his voice but almost a wonder in anticipation of his fellow students collaborating toward the goal of purchasing this one water filter. I wonder if it even dawned on him what amounts other kids may have been giving. But immediately it dawned on me what I had been withholding.
To learn more about New Life for Haiti’s work, to donate, and to sponsor a child, visit newlifeforhaiti.org .
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_How Much Are You Withholding?_300594.aspx
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Author Resource :
Article Source: New Life for Haiti
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Keywords :
apples and packing sandwiches, New Life for Haiti,
Category :
Society
:
Society
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