You know what would be REALLY bad?!?

That was Elijah's question to me last week on the drive to preschool.

We were in the middle of a conversation that we have pretty regularly, discussing things in life that aren't fair.  It always starts one of two ways:

Option 1. Elijah says something is "NOT FAIR".  He rarely uses these words any more because whenever he does he is quickly reminded that he is very blessed and we then go through and talk about things that are truly NOT FAIR.  At that moment, he never wants to be reminded of those things - he just wants the candy or toy or to stay up late....whatever it is at that moment.

Option 2. (As it was this day) We see someone on the side of the road with a sign asking for money/food/help (aka panhandling) and we go into the discussion of things in life that aren't fair. 

This list generally includes things like homelessness, children who don't have enough food to eat, kids that don't have a mommy or daddy..... serious, heavy stuff.

Elijah gets quiet for a moment and then says "Mommy, do you know what would be REALLY bad?  If people lived in a place where there were no signs to tell them the correct things to do.  That would be REALLY BAD!!!!"

I chuckled to myself.  He is saying this in all seriousness.  This kid lives for signs and labels to tell you the correct thing to do.  I think I exploit that characteristic in him.  For example, he really wants a Nerf dart gun.  I pointed out the box says it is for kids 8+.  So, he wants it for his 8th birthday... it obviously would not be safe for 4 1/2 year old.

You should see what happens when Gavin gets a hold of a toy that has the "no babies" warning.  Elijah kind of freaks out..... he will yell "MOMMY, GAVIN HAS A TOY THAT IS NOT SAFE FOR BABIES!!  HE MIGHT GET HURT!!!!"   Again, very serious.  If there is a sign it is set in stone.  There is no discussion around it - that is how he views the world.

Maybe he can be a lawyer or something......