Junior Mints

This month we celebrate 14 years of Tim.  I wrote the following story when he was five years old and reprint it now for his birthday.

It's the same every week.  If he sits quietly in church, sings when we sing, stands when we stand and keeps his clothes on,  he gets two quarters.  Holding the shiny currency in his five year old hand he beats it out after the last "amen" for his idea of true revival.... the candy machine.  Big sister has to help him reach the numbers but he can do the rest:  choose his favorite, push the buttons and open the candy door.

Ahh, the perks of faithful church attendance.

While I went about my busyness at church this past Wednesday, he went about his business of convincing me that his behavior had earned him "THE REWARD".  Though I don't publicly make statements on the benefit of candy training a child in the way he should go, I find that after 20 years of parenting preacher's kids, my private belief is "whatever works." "Okay" I said,  "Just see if you can find someone to help you and come right back." 

As I sat down with a friend to discuss an all important issue of life, where to find good Chinese food, I noticed my boy peeking around the corner of the door. The normally chatty kid stood speechless, speaking volumes with his face while his hand covered a bulging pocket. I was curious but decided to let him have his "secret".

When we arrived home the mystery continued. He informed me that I was not allowed in the living room. After he was in bed,  I smiled as I picked up scissors, tape, and wrapping paper from the living room floor.   

Sunday came. It was Mothers Day.  That little five year old could contain himself no longer.  He bounded up on the bed and handed me his well-kept secret rolled in Spiderman Christmas wrapping and encircled five times with black electrical tape.  As I worked to open it, he was on his knees beside me, anticipating my joy.  As I tore the last remaining layer of wrapping I saw two familiar words.  Junior Mints.  My favorite candy. They were all melted together at the bottom of the box because of the hand that had held them so tight but even this seemed fitting for he had melted my heart with his love.

When it came time to pick his favorite... he chose me.

I still have that box of Junior Mints in my freezer and a generously loving son by my side. Happy Birthday Tim.