A Giving Heart

I've always wondered if Ryan picks up on the things that we teach him.  Maybe not the House Rules, but the spiritual things.  How to be toward others.  Today as my Mom and I surprised him at lunch, he surprised us.  There is a new girl in his class.  Today is her first day at the school.  Ryan asked her to join us at lunch. (They get to choose 1 friend)  He usually picks the same 2 boys each time.  While we were talking to the kids and getting to know his new friend, we found out that he has been helping her all day.  He volunteered to show her around.  For those of you that know Ryan, you all know he is not shy by any means.  He told me that tomorrow is the Dragon Bucks Store day.  We then explained to the new girl what Dragon Bucks are and how you earn and spend them.  She explained that they had something similar at her old school, but she doesn't think that they will carry over.  Ryan looked her dead in the eye and said "Don't worry, I will share mine with you.  You can have half of my Dragon Bucks"  I immediately went to tell one of the teachers nearby about that. (She was his teacher from last year).  Shortly before lunch was over she came and gave Ryan and the girl Dragon Bucks.  The ones she gave Ryan, he turned and gave to the new girl.  After we left the school, I turned to my mom and said "I guess he hears us after all."  As I'm writing this I'm getting misty eyed again.  It's hard watching my "baby" grow into a boy and soon a teenager then a young man, but this afternoon was a bittersweet moment.  Just to see the maturity he had at that moment and to see his heart so clearly.  It's so hard to fathom the miracle that is our children.  To see moments like that and to know that with God's help and guidance we cultivated this kind of response in our children.  Just to see God's love in them.  I'm in awe.  I'm so thankful that God chose to bless us with Ryan.  I wish I had the words to explain how I feel in my heart right now.  I can't wait to talk to Brad tonight and tell him about our lunch today.  I called Jim as soon as we left the school.  I couldn't wait for him to get home.  I'm so proud of my son.  I can see the man that he will become one day.