I didn't think too much of it and went up to choir. I noticed while sitting up there that EJ crawled across the entire pew--from sitting safely between Grammy and Pawpaw, to sitting by himself--passed myriad aunts and uncles he clambered, to sit and wiggle alone. I tried to catch his eye to shame him into sitting still. I couldn't really do anything because, well, not counting the hundreds of people sitting in the sanctuary facing me, I also had countless other on-lookers via the streaming live video pointed right at the choir.
I never did manage to catch his eye. After a few minutes, the choir stood to sing and I actually got so wrapped up in the message of the song that I forgot about my child's wayward behavior. Eventually, hand shake song came around, and I went down to sit next to EJ. The ushers came on that chorus, and EJ showed me his envelope.
I naturally asked him where he got the quarter from, and I am ashamed to say that I totally expected him to say something along the lines of "I got it out of your purse". His answer, however, pierced me to my soul, and I hope it will pierce you to yours, too.
"I sold my lollypop from Sunday School to one of my friends for a quarter so I could have money to give to God today."
Wow. He sold his lollypop? That is amazing on so many levels, and I know that giving up candy can hardly be called a sacrifice, but for a seven-year-old boy who LOVES lollypops, this was a major deal.
I am proud--a motherly pride that gives me a glimpse into the kind of man my son is becoming, and that it is a godly sort of man. I am humbled--that in spite of my bumbling efforts at parenthood, God is already using my son in mighty ways. I am upset--that I didn't think of it sooner. I am embarrassed--that I didn't think of it first.
Mostly, though, I am convicted. When was the last time I sold something special to me, just so I could turn around and give the proceeds to God? When was the last time you did? What is our "lollypop of great price" that we have elevated to undue importance in our lives? I know God will honor EJ's innocent gift, and multiply his measly 25 cents to be used in various ministries across the world.