"That's for Jesus!"

I can't believe I'm openly sharing this....but we haven't been to church regularly since before Benjamin was born.  It seemed so overwhelming to try to deal with bottles, diapers, etc., and let's face it - up until earlier this year, we basically had one baby or another taking a bottle for over 2 years! 

Benjamin attends church with my mom and dad on occasion, and he loves it!  While we haven't been regularly attending church, we do regularly include Biblical stories as a part of our night-time routine, and so Benjamin knows all about Jesus!  He can even tell you the Ten Commandments - in order!

Last week, Benjamin and I were riding in the car, and we passed a playground at school.  I was trying to describe to Benjamin the difference between 1) a playground at a park, 2) a playground at a school, and 3) a playground at a church!  He said that he liked to go to church (referencing going with my mom, Nonna).  I said that we needed to go to our church soon, and he very innocently said, "But...Benjamin doesn't have a church?!?!"  I think my heart stopped beating for a few seconds...It was one of those defining moments as a parent, and I couldn't have been more disappointed in myself.  So, I made a vow - we were going to church the next Sunday!

Yesterday, we were very organized -- everyone was ready and out the door early, headed to our church.  Yes, "our church," one that we have been members of for over 5 years now!  Benjamin wanted to take a quarter with him to church, but I was afraid that he would lose it and someone might choke on it...so I gave him a dollar, and I told him that if he gave that dollar to God, that I would give him a quarter when we got home.  He was very happy and proud to put his dollar in his pocket and take it to church. 

Both boys went to their classes without any problem!  Timothy is in the "Bunny" class, and Benjamin is a "Pony!"  :-)  After church, Harry and I picked up Timothy (who was happily playing with toys), and moved on to pick up Benjamin.  Benjamin's teachers were very nice, and they were telling us how Benjamin knew all about the Bible and Jesus.  We were very proud.  We asked if he could give his dollar towards the offering, and when Benjamin pulled the dollar out of his pocket and handed it over, he said (very enthusiastically), "That's for Jesus!!!!"

We wrapped up the day with lunch at Los Cucos, Benjamin's favorite restaurant, and playing outside in the late afternoon.  God is good.....and Sundays just got better at the Aasmyr House!