The line was long in Hobby Lobby as Olivia and I waited to make our purchases.

Supplies for a new adventure book for her and Luke that we found on the clearance rack.

A couple of baby things on sale we just couldn’t pass up for Erich and Mallory.

We felt good about the things in our cart.

It was one of those days when everything felt “right.”

And don’t we love days that feel this way?

I was halfway-present mentally as we slowly moved forward toward the cashier,

just enjoying the moment.

But thankfully, I was present enough to overhear a little side conversation between a dad and his sons.

Candy, strategically placed for last-minute impulse shopping, had grabbed the attention of the boys.

Candy in hand, they stood watching as their dad clearly contemplated whether or not this was the best use of money.

It was a quiet contemplation.

Actually, a very sweet one

I could tell the dad was truly thinking about whether or not he should say “yes”.

As he looked at the display filled with rows of sweets,

the oldest of the little brothers -sweet eyes and adorable face –

spoke words that have stayed with me ever since.

“It’s okay, daddy.  I can put it back and get it another time.”

No demanding.

No crying.

No pouting.

No sense of entitlement.

Just two sentences that shifted my day.

“It’s okay.”

“I can wait until next time.”

Small tears formed in my eyes as I thought of the honesty in this little boy’s words.

He was okay with not getting what he wanted,

but he also had faith in a “next time.”

He knew his dad would come through,

but he knew it didn’t mean he would always get the desires of his heart in that very moment.

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Later, as I thought about this little conversation,

I felt God pushing me to take it to a personal level.

A level I don’t always want to reach.

I felt Him asking,

Tammy, what’s in your hand right now?

What are you asking for and wanting?

Are you willing to put it back on the shelf?

Are you willing to wait?

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I’ve thought a lot about that little boy since Saturday.

I wish I would have complimented his behavior – let the dad know just what a great kid he had.

He probably won’t read this post, but if he could I would like to tell him, “thank you.”

Thank you for raising a son who understands that life isn’t all about him.

Thank you for raising a son who knows that just because he wants something doesn’t mean he has a right to it.

Thank you for raising a son who is willing to wait for happiness.

And most of all,

Thank you for raising a son who reminded me that God wants that same kind of spirit in me.

________________________________

The line was long at Hobby Lobby,

but the lesson I learned while I was in it will last much longer.

_______________________________

When a child speaks, listen.

And when God speaks, listen too.

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In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 5:3

But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31