Friday, July 6, 2007

Well… this is Mike writing & not Amy & yes I can’t believe I’m actually blogging & no this will not be a regular occurrence. However, I know my wife’s blog has the attention of many & I just had to share something that has blown me away.

On the most regular of days my daughter Hannah seems to shock me with her actions, comments or demeanor. Today she blew my mind!!! Amy & I have been trying to teach Hannah that money just doesn’t always appear when she reaches into my pocket & pulls it out. Hannah has her own piggy bank that she fills with twoonies & loonies that she earns from doing the odd jobs around the house. Often we attend department stores & head right to the toy isles where her and Isaiah purchase toys that they want. Amy & I only let them purchase toys that they have enough money for. I.e. If they have $10 than they can only purchase something for $10 or less. If they see something they like that is more expensive than they have to keep their money & save up until they are able to purchase what they would like. We have found that this has been a good way for them to appreciate the value of money and of course we spoil them at times if you’re wondering.

Well lately my daughter Hannah has really caught my attention with her giving. Lately I have noticed that every time that Hannah has had a friend over to play she has given them one of her toys to take home & keep. When we asked her about this, she stated that her friends have mentioned that they liked that particular toy & Hannah felt that she needed to bless them with that toy when they departed. If that isn’t crazy enough… today’s episode destroyed every bit of selfish, materialistic, self gain off me possible. Hannah had received $5 from her grandma “Bonot” ffor working hard @ school and had $2 saved from chores so we headed off to Wal-Mart to look for a few things. After Amy had gotten what she needed, we headed over to the toy section. Hannah pulled numerous items off the shelf that she liked & asked Amy if she had enough to purchase certain things. We all know with $7 your not going to get too much. Hannah really zoned in on this wedding dressed barbie that was $19 & Amy told her she didn’t have enough money to purchase it. She had already picked Isaiah his “Lightening McQueen” racecar that she was going to buy for him. Hannah then grabbed this little toy that was worth $4.90 & appeared to be content. Amy asked her, “Hannah, are you sure that this is what you want or would you rather keep your money & save up & come back when you have enough & purchase the wedding dressed barbie”? Watching her, you could really tell that there was this little battle going on in her mind… (Oh I really want the wedding barbie, but Isaiah has a toy now & I want a toy) After she paced the isle a few times she made her decision that cut me to the heart!

Hannah put the toy for $4.90 that was in her hand back on the shelf. I figured she decided to wait & save up to purchase the more expensive wedding dressed barbie. Hannah then walked down to the Hot Wheels area where Isaiah picked his car toy & grabbed a popular racecar. Amy & I were a little dumbfounded. Hannah then stated to us that she has lots of toys at home & really doesn’t need any more & that she would like to take her money & purchase this race car for a young boy her age that lives across the road from us because she would like to bless him.

I wanted to scream out, “Holy Freakin Crap!!! Gods love & abundance flooded my heart immediately. Without knowing it, my daughter has the sowing & blessing principal engraved on her heart already without mummy & daddy’s help. It’s amazing what God can do with clean hands & a pure heart. I tell you this story only to challenge you to look beyond yourself today & to do great things as He has given you the ability to do so.

PS. Tomorrow I will go out & purchase that wedding dressed barbie for Hannah & 100 fold!!!

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Got Grandma Bonut crying at work, going to give her 50.00 bucks next time. what a precious little girl.

Shaun and Holly said...

Aren't ya so glad to be Hannah's Dad?!

Love you guys!

Vicki said...

Thanks, Mike, for the reminder. I'm glad you took the time to share. Stories like this tend to move me more than a big lecture about giving and I'm sure I'm not the only one!

redeemed diva said...

I'll yell it for you: Holy Freakin' Crap! that's awesome! God is the best person for stunning us and leaving us with our jaws open. Thanks for sharing that amazing story.

Shari said...

Okay Mike - you had me on the edge of my seat until your "Holy Freakin' Crap".... no wonder my boys relate to you so well. LOL

Love the Hannah stories - keep'em coming.

Shaun and Holly said...

One more thing...
Just wanted to say that you are leading my example...maybe you don't think so but I do! Our house is filled with things that Amy has given to me. From Makeup to Rubbermaid storage bins!! You are both a very genereous couple so it comes as no surprise to me to hear these lovely stories about Hannah.

Tammy said...

That is the best story about blessing I have heard. What an inspiration you all are.
HOLY FREAKIN CRAP!!!!!!
God is good!!!!!!!! :)
Love ya............

Jen said...

I can never say it enough...."the simplicity of the heart and ways of a child....we can learn so much!"

Keep up that heart Hannah, and you will continue to live a VERY BLESSED life....in every way...including finding money in daddy's pockets!!!!

Patti's Passion said...

I learn more from " the life and tales of the Lockwood family" I agree "holy freakin' crap !!!!"
I cried. It amazes me when I learn life lessons from children. We who are suppose to be the ones teaching our children(Which Mike and Amy through their own hearts have)Our children sometimes surprise us wiht their wisdom .When kids are an example with their own hearts it makes me rejoice for the awsome God that these kids get that some adult can't get past there own selves(talkin about myself there).Awsome I am so proud of her.

Tamar said...

I Just Loved this Storey! What a heart of Gold little Hannah has!
She truely is Your treasure!
Thanks for sharing such a heart warming storey ....It really blessed me reading it today!
It would make a good storey for a Sunday school class!

Anonymous said...

Fantastic story!!
This is exactly why Jesus said to become like little children.

One time when Alyssa was about 5, Heather Molenaar took her for the day and when they arrived back home, Alyssa ran into her room and grabbed her piggy bank and emptied it all and said to Heather, "Here this is for you, thank you for having me!!"

Kids are awesome, and your kids are super fantastic. That Hannah is one profound child. She is a prophet already at her young age. Stands to reason, with her amazing parents and grandparents.

You keep going Team Lockwood!!

Teena said...

congrats on your new little girl! who knows what she'll do to make you say "Holy Freakin' Crap"

Shari said...

Amy where are some more pictures of your new addition? She is sooo cute. Kevin is still talking about getting to hold her and having a "moment"!

Roxanne said...

This was definitely great reading. Looks like Hannah has been taught well. I'm sure there are more stories to come.