I have four kids, each with very differing personalities. My oldest is very outgoing and never meets a stranger. She frequently strikes up conversation with people in the grocery store, at church, the county fair… you get the idea. She is a natural with people, just like her daddy. Second in line, my six year old, has a super strong will and a way with animals. She enjoys being around people on a more one on one basis and opens up once she gets to know people a little better. The spotlight is not her thing and she never, ever volunteers to get up in front of others for anything.
Saturday night, out of blue, she came into the kitchen and asked me for money. My kids rarely ask for money, so I was a little surprised. I asked her what she needed money for. “I’m raising money for Mark.” she replied. I explained to her that part of fundraising is earning money for our cause. “I have to go think.” she told me and went to sit in the living room. From the kitchen I could see her sitting there deep in thought. I couldn’t wait to hear what she would come up with. She surprised me.
“I’m going to sell t-shirts.”
Off she went to her dresser and found a plain t-shirt and went looking for a permanent marker. No way was I going to stop her, so the t-shirt was sacrificed for a good cause and she set to work. Over the next two hours she drew a picture of Mark and his new family on her shirt, decorated a coffee cup and spoon with lots of paper and tape and found a pair of her favorite tennis shoes (the kind with lights!) that were getting a bit too snug. She put price tags on everything and said she was going to sell them at church the next day. I loved watching her and was amazed by her giving heart. But, honestly, there was a little doubt mixed with fear in the back of my mind. I doubted that she would ask people to buy her stuff. Like I said, she is not the outgoing one in my bunch. And the fear part, well, what if no one bought her stuff. I shoved the negative thoughts away and cheered her on. Sunday morning rolled around and she never said a word about her “merchandise” but she stuffed her bag full and headed out the door, and out of her comfort zone. By the end of the church potluck she had an empty bag and money shoved in every pocket. Each transaction had been initiated by my shy six year old.
When we got home she laid out all the money and we counted it together. $22.01 Y’all there are only around eight families in our church. (Very kind and giving families!) This was a HUGE amount for her to raise. I was so surprised and excited for her!! I hugged her and told her I was so proud of her. She shrugged it off and didn’t make a big deal, “I knew I would get a lot of money.” She wasn’t surprised at all. She just knew. What a sweet lesson I learned from her. Simple faith, extravagant love.
If you want to join my sweet girl and add to Mark's fund click on the donate button to the right of this post. :)
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