We love the fruit...

...of the Spirit!  For the past several weeks Ethan and Rachel's Bible classes have been talking about the different fruits of the spirit.  My mom develops all of the curriculum for both of their classes, and I've really never seen anything like it.  I know there are a lot of people who think little kids can't learn much about the Bible, but this is the age where they just soak up every word - every story - every take home.  When Ethan's class had their first fruit of the spirit lesson, my mom told them that if they memorized all of them and recited them on the summary week, they would get a special prize.  Well, you say 'special prize' to Ethan he's all over that.  I love the way he really tries to understand the things he's learning.  He is sure to tell me when he's showing goodness or kindness, and he's certainly sure to tell Rachel when she needs to show some patience.  He also made mention of how someone in our house doesn't show self control when he or she eats too much. 

Last night was the summary night and he talked about it all day.  Thankfully he didn't freeze up, and he came away with his special prize -

I can't remember a time when I've ever seen Ethan so proud of something.  He wore it all night, asked to sleep in it, tried to find shadows this morning so he could see the crown on his head, walked around shouting, "I'm the king of the fruit of the spirit!", wore it to school today, and even got to recite them for his friends in class (to which he reported that one boy had to sit in time out because he wouldn't clap for him).  Clay and I are obviously very proud of him, but I'm more proud of the fact that he's excited to learn about God and excited to go to Bible class and excited to share it with his friends at school.  I pray that he never loses that excitement.  And Mom - you are making an eternal difference for the kids at church...thank you.