Nearly a year ago I wrote about Amanda’s “Weekly Hug Project.” The jest of this project was Amanda having the kids hug a different widow each week before worship. The ministry has been a blessing for the kids and the widows, but Amanda ran into one problem! Landon kept going to the same widow. Landon is our bubbling with energy and challenging, 6-year old who likes to talk. He developed a special relationship with one widow named Francis Bennett. Each week you could find Landon on her aisle talking away, keeping her up-to-date on the farm progress and latest family news. Eventually, Amanda had to give Landon another widow each week, which he would hug before he went to hang out with Ms. Francis. It is a sweet relationship!
Landon had a $5 gift card to Walmart for a long time. His birthday was in July so he got all kinds of gifts. While thinking about how to use this gift card, Amanda suggested he use it to buy Mrs. Francis some flowers and a card on her birthday. Landon agreed and on July 22nd, I took Landon to Wal-Mart and he was so excited and precious picking out flowers.
He picked out beautiful blue daisies and a nice card. He wrote in the card, “Happy Birthday, I love you and thanks for the $10 you gave me, Landon.” (She had given him some money for his birthday). We made the surprise visit to her home.
Ms. Francis turned 89 years of age and had a great birthday. We enjoyed the visit which included Landon’s favorite part – ice cream and birthday cake icing! I enjoyed the cake and ice cream too! It was a special memory.
We are proud of Landon for his generous heart and spirit. He had such true and simple love for her. I think it is wonderful how you never know what blessings will come out of ministry. If Amanda had not of started her weekly hug project, then this special bond would not have formed.
““Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 18:3 ESV)
