NEW Shoes: JOY and Pain

Sam has needed new shoes for about three months. The biggest problem has been that Sam loves the “fancy” shoes. You know the ones that cost $100+ and are only available in a few sizes for a short time. The pressure... the pressure. So I ask you, what about the fact that he is only 9? What about the fact that his foot is growing 1/2 size every 3 months? What about that fact that these shoes will be worn everywhere from backyard baseball to hiking through fields full of cowslip?
When we decided to take the home-schooling journey, I stopped working 30+ hours a week. The money I made at a part time job and doing graphic design on the side was our “fun” money. I could usually stash enough away for special purchases, summer vacations and anniversary gifts. All of a sudden, I have a more clothes conscious son with a growing interest in being “cool” and no “fun” money. This does not mean NO shoes. This just means NO to those shoes. Dilemma... dilemma... So we have said “no” for three months. There have been several trips to at least four different athletic shoe stores. There have been many tears and frustrated sighs-from both sides. Sam needs a new pair of shoes. Why all the drama? Why the delay? Is one pair of shoes standing between me and my precious child’s happiness?
I have been stalling. Not because I don’t want my boy to have new shoes. Not because I don’t see the need for new shoes. Not at all because I would not love to see his face light up when I said “yes.” I have been stalling because I am bothered by the position of Sam’s heart. You see, Sam has been unwilling to be guided by our (his parents’) limits, or persuaded by our logic. He has stubbornly held his position that he deserves the shoes of his choosing regardless of the effect his choice has on anyone else.
Saturday was the Grand Opening for a new HIBBETT’s sporting goods store in our town. I had promised we could go. (Dread... Here we go again... Another scene, another attempt at reason, more tears and another “bad mom” day.) To my surprise Sam voluntarily picked out two shoes, both within my set limits. With this, I took the opportunity to explain that if he chose the cheaper pair, he could also pick out a new sweatshirt for Christmas. I left it up to him. He met me at the checkout counter with the cheaper pair and a new sweatshirt! As I watched him, his eyes shining, chest puffed up with joy, I felt like I would burst with pride too. The long wait, tears and frustration, and seeing those ugly worn out shoes for three months too long had paid off-BIG TIME!
It reminded me of our first memory verse for the year, Proverbs 10:1, A wise son brings joy to a father’s (and mother’s) heart...
Cultivating a heart of humility, submission, and wisdom takes time. Looking back, three months doesn’t seem so long for such a valuable lesson learned!

Sam showing off his new shoes!