Hudson's heart...

Ever have those moments where your heart overflows with thanksgiving? You know, when one of your children shows a Christ-like character? The kind that brings tears to your eyes and you can't share about it without crying?


Yeah. One of those moments.

We were at our first party of the Christmas season. All of us were very excited about going and spending time with our new friends that we have met this fall. Every Friday, we attended a homeschool co-op and have met such wonderful new friends (more about the co-op later...)

The big kids were in a different room celebrating...doing what big kids do...being loud...eating...acting like teenagers.

{Jake is in the middle. Notice Hudson's green teeth from the cookie?}

The littles and I were in a different room with all the younger ones. Hudson has had such a wonderful time this year at co-op. He has met such great friends. There is one little guy that he dearly loves and they instantly navigated to each other. When he realized that his buddy Jake was at the party, he was beyond thrilled.

We had some tasty desserts and then it was time to open gifts. Each child brought a $5 gift to exchange. One of the moms gave each child a gift and then they opened them in unison. For the most part, all were happy but we did hear a few, "Do you want to trade?" {normal American kids :)}
I left Hudson for a second to organize our things. I noticed Hudson's best buddy was holding Hudson's new gift and Hudson didn't appear to be too happy. Imagine two almost 5 year olds discussing their new gifts....and both wanted Hudson's prized gift. You see, it was a rocket mold and then you paint it. Pretty exciting for a 5 year old.


Apparently, they had 'traded.' Oh boy. Normally, the kids are not allowed to trade unless they ask me first. Hudson didn't understand what his friend meant when he said, "Do you want to trade?" I think Hudson thought he meant, "Can we trade and look at each others gifts and then give them back?" My guess. :)

I love this little boy and his mother dearly. It really wasn't a big deal to me so I explained to Hudson that it would be ok and he would enjoy the other toy.

I continued to help clean up and left the room for a second. When I came back, Jake's sweet mom handed the gift to Hudson and poor little Jake was crying. I felt so bad. She found out that it only cost $5 at a nearby craft store and that she could get him another one.

About 10 minutes went by and I noticed Hudson by himself on the other side of the room, looking at his new rocket craft....holding it with both hands...really giving it a good study.

Shortly thereafter, I witnessed the sweetest reunion. Hudson hands Jake his beloved rocket craft. Jake wipes his tears and has the biggest smile.
It took everything within me to hold back the tears. It was so sweet. I asked Hudson later why he did it. He said, "Jake wanted it." I praised him over and over, telling him that it was very kind and something that Jesus would have done when he was a little boy.

And he simply said, "You're welcome, Mommy."