A Thank You Can Work Wonders

Yesterday we had guests over for dinner. In preparation I was rushing around like a mad woman trying to do all the cleaning that I considered necessary. I had repeatedly tried to encourage Happy Boy to pick up his toys, but all he wanted to do was watch me clean.

My temper and frustration were rising as the minutes ticked by. Then, as Happy Boy watched me clean the kitchen floor, he said, "Thank you for cleaning the kitchen, Mama." And then he said it again. My heart melted and I was able to relax a little and smile. What made it even more special was that he had never said anything like that before. As we picked up his toys together I had a song in my heart.