Bemusedly amused

The week before Thanksgiving, our new Bentonville out-door ice skating rink opened, and all the school children (at Baker, at least) were invited to go for a free skate.  The weather here has been between the 50s and 60s often, and Ethan has continued to wear shorts to school, despite my pointing out that he might be cold.  He wore shorts on the day for ice skating, not thinking about the logistics of ice skating, of course, and his teacher pulled him aside and asked where his long pants were.  Somewhere in the conversation she got the idea that he didn't have any long pants, though he denies vehemently that that is what he communicated.  I got a call that afternoon from the school letting me know that there had been a clothes drive, and clothes were available for Ethan if he needed some.  I laughed about it, and thanked the caller very much, but assured her Ethan was fine, and it was his personal preference to wear shorts, not because he had no pants.

Yesterday, Ethan brought home two bags of beautiful winter clothes.  Long pants and long sleeved shirts and such.  They were in excellent condition and name-brand.  Ethan told me his teacher made him take them home, even though he said he didn't need them.  And so I am bemusedly amused.  It was very kind of the school to think of us.  They know of Isaac's significant medical needs/expenses and have watched my kids come to school looking less-well-cared-for than they ought to, I suppose.  I am grateful for the thoughtfulness, and the community that looks out for those in need.  The trouble is that I don't feel like I am in need.  In fact, I have lately been finding ways to sponsor others who are in need of time or money. Should I accept the help of the school when I am perfectly able to clothe my children, (I have provided the clothes, though it is up to them to wear them), but have chosen to spend my time and money otherwise (than on getting name brand things and making sure they are worn)?

I guess, as I think about it, that we all have something to give, and it is good to give what we have to give and accept graciously what others have to share.  I am not great at getting beautiful name brand things for my kids.  I figure second hand is just fine, and brands really don't matter.  I can accept the kindness of others in sharing nice clothes with my kids, and be grateful that they will have them.  We have been blessed with a good financial situation now, but not much extra time, so I can happily give money to others who are willing to share their time to help us (like Dixie and the tree-trimmers and lawn care people who recently transformed my yard.)  As part of a community there is give and take, and it is good to be part of the cycle, and not only on one end.  Receiving keeps me humble and grateful.  So, I guess I will keep the clothes.  Someday we will probably pass them on to others, too, and I will be grateful to have nice things to share.

;-)