Over the weekend, we celebrated Madi and Jordy's birthdays. They were born within hours of each other, and they will turn two at the end of this month. A big two-for-one celebration is the norm for them, and I decided to take my camera and try to capture the day for their busy moms who hosted the event.
I enjoyed snapping photos of the kids and their celebrations, but it wasn't until I began the editing process that my heart swelled with emotion. There were so many cute moments, but this one gave me a catch in my throat.
Jordy received a motorized pony, and the uncles were excited about it, so they opened up the package for her. She hopped on and had no problem steering her pony around the barn. She was amazing!
But what I noticed was her cousin Harper standing nearby, watching her enjoy her pony. Harper didn't make a move or a sound when Jordy got on the pony; she just stood there smiling, enjoying the ride for Jordy. This is remarkable for a toddler to want to enjoy an activity for another toddler and there is a lesson in there for all of us.
Do we honestly enjoy the successes of our friends? Our colleagues? Do we virtually clap for another person as they get the promotion or the engagement ring? Are we happy for our friends when they get to a goal weight or reach a personal record on their quest to better health? Or do we roll our eyes and wish they would keep their fitness goals to themselves?
Are we excited for a friend's new home purchase? Or do we immediately think about what our own home is lacking?
When we see a gender reveal, are we happy for them, or are we wallowing in our own self-pity because we want to be pregnant?
One quality of being a good friend is the ability to rise above our own selfish desires and be happy for someone else. Celebrating a friend's accomplishments in no way diminishes our lives, but only enriches us with kindness and peace. If our attitude is focused on being generous with our resources and thankful for our surroundings, our reactions will always follow with a positive posture.
There is no one more selfish than a toddler, and yet a toddler has modeled the attitude we should all exemplify.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another....
Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed
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