Choices

Alex has the kind of mom that pretty much lets him do everything cool that comes along. Friend invites him last minute to an impromptu b-day party, present is found, Alex goes to party. Another friend invites him to play after school, although we have a list of stuff to do, he gets to play with friend.

His school has a free showing of Kung Fu Panda Friday night. Alex will not be going. We have already RSVP to Family Advent Night at our church. Our church does very few family activities, so I feel we can show up when they happen.

"Why can't we go to KFP instead?!" Alex rallied against the unfairness of it all.

"We already signed up to help at Family Advent Night. You can watch a movie anytime. Family Advent Night comes only once a year."

"But all my school friends are going. Why can't they change Advent Night, Advent doesn't even start for a whole week after Advent Night." Starting to sound a lot like the Jimmy Neutron movie.

"Yes, but they're not Catholic. Advent night has been planned for months. Movie night just came up 2 days ago."

"I just wish..." Then he stopped himself. I think he realized he'd really regret the remark he was about to utter.

"Alex, listen to me. Your friends have their own church commitments. For example every Monday night, they have family home evening. They have their own calendar of events that come first, ahead of school activities too. I agree it'd be fun to see KFP, but its not the last time the school will have movie night."

"I know. I just wish we could do both."