Last month I accidentally left my phone beside a wall after helping some children with math homework. It only took a few minutes while driving down the road to realize the mistake, so within five minutes i was looking for it.

During that time two girls found my phone, texted my girlfriend, and ran down the road looking for me.

Last Tuesday it was time to reward them

I had promised them first pick of some stuffed animals that my mother had sent in a Christmas barrel. But after finding two baby dolls in the box, i quickly changed my mind.

The joy on their faces was amazing. Especially one girl who (if I understand correctly) had never owned a baby doll.

Their joy blessed me

But more importantly I wanted to teach them a lesson

Obedience should be celebrated.

Sadly it is often the disobedient or rebellious children who get attention and rewards in life. We do this in order to motivate them for obedience (which I understand) but the child who obeys quietly often isn’t recognized.

Not because we don’t care

But because we don’t notice them!!!

This is why it’s important to look for what I like the call “Celebration Moments”. These are special acts of obedience (like saving my phone) that get special celebration.

Obviously something like what these girls did should be celebrated. But there are many other “celebration moments” that we overlook in life because we are just too busy to see them.

1. A child who responds calmly when you say no to something they really want
2. Cleaning their room when you hadn’t asked them too
3. An unsolicited “I love you Mom/Dad”
   

It’s as we recognize these moments and celebrate them that other celebration moments are created.

I am certain two little Vincentian girls slept with their new doll babies last Tuesday night.

And remembered how important it is to think of others in their time of need.