My nine year old son, Nolan, is always the one who wants something at the store even if it is ten cents.  I decided he needed to learn that money does not grow on trees.

I started by explaining how hard Daddy works for the money, and that he should say, “Thank you.”

Next, I explained the bills.  Understanding more, he would ask me WHEN we would have money so that he could buy such and such.  His demanding money was no longer an issue.

Several months later, I ended up in the hospital with pneumonia.  With no insurance, we were faced with close to thirty thousand dollars.  Nolan knew it had been awhile since he could choose one of the legos he wanted.

He came downstairs completely dejected that we didn’t have any money.

He said, “Well, mom, I guess I’m just going to have to pray for a miracle, ‘cause that is all that can happen.”

I told him that was a good idea, but was nervous that his faith would be affected when it didn’t happen.  How was a nine year old little boy going to earn and receive money.  His birthday was seven months away.  Christmas was still four months away.  I just didn’t see how.

One hour later, my neighbor stopped by and asked if Nolan could baby sit their bird and dog.  She also stated she would pay him.  I started bawling, and my neighbor asked what was wrong.