Sam the Spiritual
Posted by Carrie on 24 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: Pictures and movies, Samuel
Honestly, I could probably create a whole subcategory for Sam’s spiritual observations and developments. This kid gets deep sometimes in ways that just boggle my adult mind.
Last night was the last Bible Blast night, with an awards presentation included. Every child who did memorization work or took the weekly quizzes got an “Achiever” trophy. In the past, when he has had opportunities to earn trophies, Sam has been almost manically excited, so I expected him to be thrilled by this. He certainly looked happy when they handed him the award, but by the time he handed it to me for safe keeping, he was looking uncomfortable. “I don’t deserve it,” he said.
I didn’t understand. “But you worked hard, learning all those facts and verses!”
He frowned. “I mean, I don’t want it. It’s not as good as Jesus.” Poor boy was upset; he hadn’t studied the Bible for a trophy, but because it was important. I tried to reassure him that it was okay to keep the trophy anyway, but he seemed dubious.
Later in the evening, another boy got a huge trophy for learning about a truckload of Scripture. (Seriously, only three kids have reached this level since the church started doing the program a long time ago. Pages and pages and pages of verses, word for word.) His parents also gave him some money, counting out the bills into his hand while the other kids giggled. Sam was incensed. He whispered, “If I learned all that, I wouldn’t want money! I’d throw it away!” After a minute, he conceded that he probably wouldn’t toss it, but that he’d give it away to somebody else.
Sometimes I wonder how on earth I’m expected to raise this child to manhood. He awes me.
5 Comments »
on 24 Apr 2008 at 4:12 pm
Kate said …
I think it’s about time for my once-a-year-since-he-was-four comment about your boy’s prospects as a man with a Higher Calling.
on 24 Apr 2008 at 4:32 pm
wendy said …
Wow. That’s pretty cool. You have a very GOOD boy, there
on 25 Apr 2008 at 8:22 am
Emily said …
Good for you, Sam! I know adults who aren’t at your level of spiritual awareness.
on 25 Apr 2008 at 10:12 am
sherry said …
Sometimes I wonder how on earth I’m expected to raise this child to manhood.
Well clearly you’re doing an incredible job with whatever you’re currently doing!
I must confess, sometimes your stories about Sam bring tears to my eyes, you must be so proud.
on 26 Apr 2008 at 3:25 am
hannah said …
Sounds like you’re just the mom intended for him.
No accident there
He is one of those souls. . . I love your dear boy. What a pure heart he has.