If there is a word that is quickly becoming unwelcome in my home it is the word "want." It is our 4 letter word.
I want that.
I don't want this.
But I want you to...
I don't want him to...
I said I wanted...
Their words represent the selfish attitude of my own heart and serve as a painful reminder of the human propensity to desire, crave, demand and covet. Unfortunately, I unknowingly fed this beast by giving the children toy catalogs as they came in a few months ago. I thought it was harmless fun. They have been occupied for hours over the last month or so peering at the pages. If only it had stopped there! Now they beg me for the mail so they can show me all of the things "Santa is gonna bwing."
Today I made a radical decision. There are no more toy catalogs in the house. My children were perfectly happy with the toys they have currently until they became consumers and started to obsess over all there is out there that they do not yet possess. I want to protect their innocence a little more from this rampant consumerism that has held me captive for too long.
I want them to enjoy Christmas. I hope they are excited to hope for things and thrilled to receive as well as give. I do not want them, however, to be so blinded by their "want" that they miss the countless things they have to be thankful for. This is tough. I am as apt as they are to get "sucked in" to the temptation of overdoing the material, consumer side of Christmas.
Lord, show me how to make Christmas magical in deep lasting ways. The gifts are fun, but the greatest gift is the One you gave. Ground us in perspective, Lord. Forgive us for ever allowing stuff to upstage your Son. Amen.
7 comments:
Our rule when we are in a store is they can say they "like" something, but not "want." It has worked for us - less whining and they know that they may or may not get it when a birthday/Christmas rolls around.
What a great idea!
That four-letter word has made its appearance in our home, too. Everything they see, whether in catalogs, or TV or something one of their friends have - everything is something they want.
You're right - this is tough. I have not figured out a way through this yet.
This is a great word for adults as well.
I've been reading your blog for a while, read all the history of your love story, birth of your children. Now I'm hooked on your blog.
Great idea. It's so easy to get caught up in all of the wanting things this time of year for kiddies and adults.
YES. I am thankful that mine are both still a little on the young side for that quite yet. It is going to be a little crazy in the coming years I am sure. I hope that we are able to instill in them the gift of service and love...all through the year...but especially in the ChristMORE season! Thinking of you!
Very smart idea, JMom. I hope you can avoid that huge case of the "gimmee's" with fewer items to offer them discontent in favor of the contentment they already have with their current toys.
Your prayer at the end touched my heart. Good words, friend!
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