sacrificial love

Yesterday, the girls were happily playing with their Squinkies (these small rubbery toys, shaped like animals and people) at the kitchen table. I was busy preparing dinner, and JJ was having a snack in his high chair. Everything was going great- until tragedy occurred! Bella's dolphin Squinkie had an accident and his little tail ripped. That teeny tail was beyond repair... and Bella was devastated.
In an attempt to cheer up her little sister, Wubs suggested, "I know, Bella! Why don't you just cut off the tail and then you can pretend your dolphin is Winter from Dolphin Tales!" Dolphin Tale is Bella's all-time favorite movie. I listened to see if Bella would accept Wubs' creative idea. Bella considered it and then requested her scissors. *snip* The tail was completely removed. "I don't like my dolphin without a tail! I'm sad now!" Bella retreated to her bedroom, leaving the dismembered dolphin abandoned on the table. I decided to let Bella have a few minutes alone; usually she will reappear in no time, ready to play with a happy heart, if she is left alone.
Wubs asked, "Mommy, why is Bella sad? She loves Dolphin Tales!"
" I think she is a little disappointed because that was her favorite squinkie. But I'm sure she'll feel better in just a few minutes."
"Ummm... I have a question. Would it be okay if I cut off my dolphin's tail, too?"
"Why do you want to do that, baby?"
"Well, I was thinking that Bella would feel better if my dolphin was just like hers. And then we could play Dolphin Tale together. Don't you think that would cheer her up?"
"I think that is a very kind idea! You know what that is called, Wubs? That is called a sacrifice. You are giving up something special to bless someone else and show them how much you love them. That's exactly how Jesus loves us! He sacrificed His life for ours, didn't He? You are showing Bella a little bit of Jesus' love, by cutting off your dolphin's tail!"
"Can I go show Bella?"
"Yes! And tell her I'll get out some big bowls of water for your dolphins to swim."
"HOORAY! Bella! Bella!"
Wubs ran out of the kitchen to show Bella her trimmed dolphin and report the exciting news of water play. wink! It blessed my heart so much that Wubs saw an opportunity to give sacrificially and she didn't allow it to slip away! I pray that she'll continue to develop this gift for the rest of her life!
Oh, and Bella was t.h.r.i.l.l.e.d, to say the least! The two girls played Dolphin Tale for nearly an hour!

Below are some pictures of our little man driving! We were waiting for David while he ran into Lifeway the other day, and I let JJ get out of his carseat and have a little fun! wink!

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."- Romans 5:8