Out of the mouths of babes ...

Sometimes my kids just blow me away with their maturity.

The other day, we made a sudden decision to travel several hours to see Josh's stepdad who had just come home after being in the hospital for several weeks. We wanted to see him and to encourage Josh's mom. Although we live several hours away, we are still the nearest family members and felt a need to be there with them.

We decided suddenly to go, but realized that in doing so, our daughter would miss her beloved gymnastics class for the second week in a row. We decided to ask her permission and give her the right to make the final decision.

So we simply explained to her that we wanted to go and visit Grandma and Grandpa, but that doing so would mean missing gymnastics. And since that is her special thing, she could choose what was more important and we would abide by her decision.

She took us seriously. And then she did the unexpected. I had fully expected her to say that we could go, but with a fair amount of pouting and complaining thrown in. Instead, she looked me full in the face and solemnly said, "Mom, gymnastics is important. But there are more important things. And Grandma and Grandpa are more important."

Just like that! No whining, no frustration, no upset. Just a gentle admission that she knew what was most important for us to do and that we needed to do it.

Did you know my sweet girl is only 7? I'm so proud of her! She warmed my heart. But even more so, she touched Grandma and Grandpa with such love when they heard of her decision. Ah, the sweetness of children!