Hugs, Handshakes, High Fives, and Tootsie Rolls

Every week as we pull into the parking lot, they start looking for his car.  

Mauryn yells " I see it."  to any car that is the same color. But then gently Landon reminds her "No silly that is not his car."  He keeps looking until I hear " I found it Mama. He's here."

I can't get them unbuckled or across the parking lot fast enough.

Mauryn bursts through the church doors "CHARWEE!" and straight into his waiting arms.  She grabs his neck and gives him a squeeze and a smile.  When she releases from his neck, he sneaks her a tootsie roll.  She loves Charlie. Not just because he gives her tootsie rolls but because she knows he loves her.

Landon patiently waits for his turn.  Charlie always tries to grab his offering which Landon purposely leaves in his hand so they can play this game.  Then Landon gives him a handshake or high five and waits for his tootsie roll.  He giggles, smiles, and enjoys this moment of feeling special and loved.

Charlie's eyes shine with love.  He is showing my kids about God's love in his quiet way.  He is an example of how God is waiting for us with open arms, a smile, a hug, eyes filled with love, and He is waiting with some sweet, wonderful things if we are take the time to love Him and have a relationship with Him.

Thanks Charlie for being such a great example for my kids.  We love you!

* My brave, courageous friend Sarah is sharing the story of her marriage journey on her blog this week. You can read part I here and part II here.