Money Lesson

Mike and I decided about a year ago that it was time to start giving the girls some chores to do around the house in order to earn an allowance. They are constantly asking for something and it was time they realized what it means to work, earn money and save for something that they want. Be it a new toy or a pack of gum at the check-out counter. It's never too soon to let them learn the process of saving and also learn what things cost.

So, the other day, Maddie had her ziplock baggie of money in her hand as we were walking out the door to Walmart. She told me she wanted to take her money and buy something. She had a bunch of change and 2 dollar bills. I told her she couldn't get much, but that if she wanted some candy or something, that would be fine.

We get to the store and as I was finishing up, she wanted to go look at the toys. I reminded her that most toys cost a lot more than $4-$5, but she insisted on looking. We walked up and down a few aisles and I remembered something she is always asking for, but I rarely buy. They are these little bathtub fizzy things. You drop one in the bath water and it turns it a fun color. The girls LOVE them! I mentioned to her that might be something she could afford, if she wanted them. And of course, she did! We headed over to the bath section and found them. They were just under $4 and I told her that she had enough to get them, but it would take most of her money. She insisted that was what she wanted and we went to check-out. At this point, $4 didn't mean much to her. She was just excited to use her own money and get her own receipt! :) When it was our turn to check out, I took her baggie and pulled out the 2 dollar bills and then enough change to cover it. Immediately tears filled her eyes. I asked her what was wrong and she said, "Why do they have to take both of my dollars?". I told her that was what it cost, but that she didn't have to get them. She could put them down and get some gum or candy and save her dollars for later. She said, "No, I really want them, mommy!". So, with tears streaming down her little face, she handed the container and her handful of money to the cashier. He gave her the bag and the all important receipt and started to ring out all of my stuff. As we were walking out the door, she goes, "Mommy, has Walmart ever taken all of your dollars?", I said, "Yes, Maddie, every time I walk in the doors!".

You don't know how badly I wanted to just buy them for her. Her poor, pitiful face as she was handing her money over was almost more than I could stand. She wanted something, but it was painful to her to let go of her money. She definitely learned a lesson that day.

And here's what I learned. How often do I want God's blessings on my life, but it's with tears in my eyes that I give Him my time, money, service, etc.? I want Him to bless me, but it's painful to give Him what He deserves. I was reminded that I shouldn't cling so tightly to this world. It was difficult for Maddie to let go of that money, even though by letting go of it, she got something she really wanted. I need to learn to let go of things, be a cheerful giver. Not only of my money, but of my time, of my things, etc.

So thankful for that little lesson. What I thought was a learning experience just for Maddie, turned into a much bigger learning experience for me.

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.