It Does Sink In, Somehow

We were driving around neighborhoods tonight looking at all the beautiful Christmas lights.

Kincaid starting asking questions as he always does. "Why does Santa only give one electronic gift per year?" (Our rule.) "Why does he only give one big gift per year?" and on....

With a sigh and the thought that I'm just not doing a great job instilling a sense of gratitude in this sweet child's heart, I launch into my obligatory answers. You know, the standard ones ... Santa has to share with all the children in the world .... there are gifts just as wonderful as electronics that he wants to give you .... and most of all ... Santa's not made of money, you know.

So, just when I feel that all is lost and I should probably start an intensive reevaluation of my techniques for raising responsible, thoughtful, unselfish, generous children, my sweet son surprises me and says, "Well, Mom, it doesn't really matter anyway. I know the gifts are there so we will have fun, but it's really all about Jesus." Eyebrows raise, heart flutters, eyes well up. Really?

"Where did you learn that my sweet boy?"

"Oh, I didn't learn it, Mommy, I just know it."

You are right, my sweet boy, you are so right. And, so wise and wonderful...