The littlest buddy had been begging me for Cheetos for days. I relented after many times of being asked and bought the big ole bag of puffs when I got groceries. Why he wanted them so badly? I have no clue. They get stuck in your teeth, stain your fingers, and get orange dust everywhere. The elated look on his face when he came home from school that day was one I will remember for a while. But what happened after, will be marked in my memory forever.

I poured him some in a small bowl and when I noticed he only had a three left, I jokingly asked, “can mommy have one?” He paused as he weighed my request with the small quantity that remained in his bowl. He looked up at me above his blue rimmed glasses and then he said softly, “here mom, you can have the rest, I don’t mind”

Here he was with the snack he patiently waited for over the last several days. Yet, he was willing to give up the last of his cheesy treasures to his mom. I honestly didn’t expect him to agree- but I was so humbled and taken aback when he offered with such generosity. I looked at him and said, “You know what, it’s okay- you eat them. But thank you for loving mommy more than Cheetos.”

He didn’t expect anything in return from me.

He didn’t have a bargaining strategy.

He didn’t exploit my request.

He led with love.

I know some One else who does the same thing. Who offers a free gift to us with no bargaining, exploitation, or strategizing. A gift that is offered freely, fully, and forever. And I can assure you this: the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is way better than Cheetos.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬ ‭