no reciprocation needed

Just in case you are one of the many to get a gift from Charlotte or George this year, please know there is no reciprocation needed.

At first, I started to make them stop all the gift-giving. For some reason, they have been going crazy. Making, saving, buying and crafting for one and all. If you ever taught them in Sunday School or are related to anyone who might have taught them, you are most likely on the list. If you are a friend or the sibling of a friend, you are most likely on the list. What on earth? I told them it sometimes puts undue pressure on others when we give them a gift when they are not expecting. Duh?! It's a gift! was what I got.

They've always liked trading with cousins and making some things for friends, but seriously - they are giving like there is no tomorrow and are deliriously joyful.

And then I had my "AHA!" moment this morning. Of course they are giving everything they can think of to everyone they can think of. We have spent the last year on the receiving end of countless gifts. Of course that has affecting their thinking. They have seen giving from complete strangers in amounts we can never reciprocate. We have friends near and far who have supported us in every way possible - from cleaning up after the yard sale to buying way too many NOEL cds. And only a humble thank you is what we can offer in return. HALLELUJAH! What a gift for my children. What a gift for my family. Thank you.

"Blessed are the meek," Jesus explained. Blessed are the available. Blessed are the conduits, the tunnels, the tools. Deliriously joyful are the ones who believe that if God has used sticks, rocks, and spit to do his will, then He can use us." (Max Lucado)

We knew this adoption would change our lives. But my focus was/is for sure on Esther. What one plane ride will change for her!? The list could go on and on. I am again reminded today of the change for Charlotte and George. I love being a parent. I love how God moves in gigantic leaps and my kids just hold tight.

So when you or your kids get something from my kids for Christmas this year, feel no pressure to reciprocate. They are simply responding.