Trains and Thankfulness

On Saturday we were on a mission to find a new storage unit for our DVDs. Our former DVD towers didn't prove to be so kid-friendly. That point was confirmed when Judah pushed one of them over twice in the span of a couple weeks. If Addise would've been on the other side...yikes.

Our mission found us at Ikea, and as we wandered through the maze that is Ikea we didn't find a new storage unit, but we did find a train set. Brian was set that Judah needed it. I didn't argue.

So we brought home the train set and put our sleeping babies in their cribs and plotted to have the train set up for when Judah woke up from his nap. When Judah woke up I went to pick him up and Brian sat next to the train set. I smooched Judah a few times and made sure he was alert before I brought him out of the bedroom. As I carried my groggy son into the living room, I quietly exclaimed, "Judah, look what Daddy got for you - a train set!" Immediately, Judah perked up, smiled his silly grin, and squirmed down from my arms. I thought he'd delve into the magic of the train set, but instead he made a bee line for his daddy. He threw his arms around Brian's neck, planted a big kiss or two on his lips, and let out a contented sigh. After a moment, he plopped down to explore his gift.

This momma lost it. Tears.

Judah recognized the giver of this good gift. Instead of diving into the joy of the gift, he wanted to properly thank his daddy. Only after a moment of connection with his dad did he actually go to enjoy his train set. My tears came because I wondered if Judah had EVER been given a gift like he did that day. A gift. Just for him. Thoughtfully displayed for his enjoyment.

Of course, it also was a picture of God and his child. I wish I would be more like Judah when it comes to properly thanking my God for his gifts before I immerse myself in the enjoyment of those gifts.

Finally, it was a picture to me of the goodness of a daddy. Brian wanted to get Judah that train set. He knew his son would like it. And he wanted to set it up so that it would be joyful surprise for his son when he woke up from his nap. [So many spiritual analogies that I don't want to spoil it by adding my commentary. I hope you see them.]

This little guy is teaching me so much. I'm so glad that he's our son.