Offering 1

His chocolate-brown eyes glitter with such an innocent joy that I can’t help but scoop him up in my arms. At four, my son still has a touch of baby in him that allows him to come running to me when hurt and lets me lie next to him until he falls asleep. But he’s a little boy in most ways and, as with most little boys, the first signs of spring are like rain after a drought to him.

After we had the mildest of winters the lizards and roly polies are out early this year. We spend most of the day after school outside as he scours the backyard for his favorite critters.

Daily he comes to me with offerings of love found beneath the trees that tower overhead. I hear his sweet voice cry out “for you, Mommy.” He presents me with a tiny yellow flower.

It’s not really even a flower, as my husband is quick to point out. It is a weed.

I can hear him groan every time one of the kids bends down to blow the dandelion seeds into the wind. The child in me loves to see the cottony white seeds take flight on the breeze, spinning like little ballerinas, tutus twirling in the sun.

My husband sees the resulting stubborn yellow flowers sprouting up in the yard, making more yard-work for him.

But my son sees something precious – a gift for his mommy.

I see a priceless offering from a son who wants to pour out love in the only way he knows how...

This week I am sharing about what my son is teaching me about offering, love, and joy at the Mudroom. Join me there?