Once a week since September I have had the pleasure and delight of adding another little boy to the mix. I pick him up from school and the three of us–Ben, John Ronan and I–head out to play somewhere.We’ve hiked up to Douglas Preserve, we’ve baked cookies, we’ve braved the wind at Butterfly Beach, and this week we drove to Haskells–a favorite wild beach of mine, north, at the edge of Goleta.
I promised Silly String–my sister had sent two cans as a birthday gift–so the boys went at it. It was a messy, but incredibly fun affair.
Then, I laid a blanket in the sand and we all plopped down to enjoy chocolate chip cookies that I had baked earlier in the day. Ben was anxious for these, so I was surprised when he asked if we could all only eat one.
Why, I asked.
Are there enough for my family? he asked back.
I counted. How many will you need?
Six.
It’s sad to admit that at first I was disappointed that I’d only get one! What a lame-o I am. But it didn’t take long for me to get past my gluttony (thank you, Lord!) and really appreciate this opportunity to give. Not only for me to give, but for Ben to be able to be the giver of good things, too.
Sure, I said in between bites, let’s pack up these extra cookies and you can bring them home to share.
Okay, so I was childish, but five-year-old Ben was not. He was thinking of others when he decided that one would be plenty for me,
and more than enough for himself.
The Woman and the Wheat 
I applaud you and Ben both. He for not thinking as a child would and being selfish and you for giving of your time and efforts to include this child in your activities.
I enjoy your posts
May God bless you and your famiy
I find that children often hold onto material things much more lightly than we adults. I am new to your blog, but have both your books and have used them with my children and in my church school. I will be adding you to my blogroll and hope to learn more from your journey.