Wednesday, July 10, 2013

The Perfect Picnic

This is #108 on my way to one thousand gifts if you're counting with me...


I often have to remind Jackson (and Payton when she's with us) that certain toys are "baby/toddler toys" and that big brother can play with Evie's toy IF he's playing with her, but NOT if he takes it from her to play by himself. It's still a work in progress, see. 

But a few weeks ago, Jackson decided that he wanted to play with Evie's picnic basket. This was no ordinary picnic basket. It was full of all the necessary picnic supplies - plates, cups, food, utensils, even a blanket. Instead of taking it from her, Jackson told me that he wanted to have a picnic with "Little Lady." I was moved and told him that I thought she'd LOVE it. She adores her big brother and beams every time he pays her the slightest attention.

He went to work setting up the whole thing – food on each plate, the place settings arranged to perfection. Then, he invited her to come: “Little Lady, would you like to come to a picnic with me?” She smiled and giggled because he was talking to her, and I helped get Evie to her seat. Jackson proceeded to explain to her each piece of the picnic, letting her “sample” each food. She just stared and smiled at him.

I stood a bit back not wanting to disrupt the moment. Jackson was being so sweet, and Evie was in awe of her big brother. I fought every temptation in my body to run for my phone or my camera so I could capture the moment and share it, but I knew I’d miss it all if I went. Instead, I just watched and soaked it all in, begging God to commit that moment to my forever memory. I want to remember Evie’s face – sheer joy and wonder. I want to remember Jackson’s pleasure in doing something with her, maybe even for her.

Those are the gifts (the moments) I thank God for. And those are the moments I live for. 

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