Four Carts at Wal-Mart

Yesterday could have been a very long day. We packed up the kids and drove 1 1/2 hours to the nearest Wal-Mart to do some heavy-duty shopping for this weekend's Father/Son Fishing Retreat at Rock Ridge. After taking care of all our other stops along the way, we arrived at the big store at around 7 PM. We had our huge list, five tired and hungry kids, and set a goal to get in and out as quickly as possible.

Amazing, with each able member of the family pushing carts and the two littlest riding, we buzzed through the store, filling our carts full to the brim with all the items we would need for the meals for the upcoming retreat.

I guess I hadn't really noticed the stares our family received until we got to the checkout. The clerk was very gracious, and handled our order well. She chatted with us about how she was the oldest of five and could identify with our oldest (of five). After dad payed the bill (which was at least $300 below last year's bill for the same weekend, praise God!), we formed a great train, with Mom and #3 as the engine and Dad and #5 as the caboose. A smiling clerk insisted that he help us at least to the door, and we kindly thanked him and accepted. Then it was off into the parking lot. Dad packed up the trailer and the suburban while the kids and I opened their treat, lime all fruit popsicles.

So the point of my post is this: last night my husband and I were so proud of our children. As Dad got into the driver's seat he announced to the children how he had noticed tens of people in the store staring at us while we shopped. Staring in amazement at a young family with four full shopping carts calmly going about the store. No fits from the children, no whining, and no complaining. He was so proud of the witness for Christ that they had been and he wanted to let them know.

Too often we scold more than we praise. Last night was a beautiful reminder of what joy can come when we bestow well-deserved praise on our kids. Our five were truly our pride and joy last night.

Take the time to bless your children with praise. Love every second you have with your borrowed breath.