A few nights ago we were at my parents house for dinner. They are still moving in, carrying boxes up and down stairs, and sorting rooms. Justin was lugging some heavy loads up to the attic when a brief but beautiful conversation occurred between my mom and Ethan.

Mom: "Justin, I'm so sorry you have to get home from work, come over here, and start working again. I know you must be tired."
Justin was on his way back up the stairs and didn't respond, so Ethan piped up for him.
Ethan: "It's ok, Mimi. He doesn't mind. He has a servant's heart."
Mom: "It's what we all should have, isn't it?"
Ethan: "Yep...it sure is."

I talk with my kids so frequently about having the heart of a servant. I wasn't sure until that moment if they were listening or not. Even more encouraging than hearing them say, though, is seeing it manifested in their lives. And lately I have seen it more and more.

When Asa picks up everyone's snow clothes from the garage and brings them into the house to help sort them.
When Julia offers to get her brother a drink just because he says he's thirsty.
When Ethan wrestles with Ezra to distract him when I'm working hard to get something done and he's whining at my feet.
When Astrid crawls up on my bed, kisses me, and says, "Mommy I love you. I love you so so much. Do you want me to get you some cookies?"

I want them to learn math. I want them to love reading. I want them to appreciate history. I want them to experience the wonder of science and discovery. But, more than all those things, I want them to be like Christ...to have the heart of a servant.