Abundance

The difficulty with kids today is helping them value what they have and to teach them to not buy into the whole "more is better" philosophy. It is a challenge that many parents face today. I'm not the only parent noticing this disposable attitude with children today, in fact adults are also caught up in thinking that more is better. Of course children are surrounded by peers and commercials pushing the latest game system, iPods, toys, movies and more. I hate sounding like my own mother but I was so happy to get the few presents I received growing up. My parent's generation received even less. Ask may grandparents today and they will tell you that their gifts were often something practical, like a pair of shoes. Now during the holiday's, home are filled with piles of gifts. Children make their long lists and they feel entitled to get all of it. What are parents to do, to compete with this expectation? When I was a child, we did not have the technology or sheer choices children have today. It amazes me how my kids can navigate the computer and my iPhone better than I can. I usually try to give my kids some kind of day trip or outing as a part of their presents. I'd rather spend time with them having fun then give them piles of toys and games that will end up under their beds or piled in a corner by the end of January. Don't get me wrong, I still give them some of that junk too, but I try to limit it. It's kinda like fighting a losing battle, but we gotta still try. I also have them bag up some of their old toys every December to donate to Goodwill and the local residential center for children. Last Christmas, I forgot to do that but we went through their stuff in the summer instead. In this season of giving, I'd like my children to learn the value of helping others. I would like my children to learn the true meaning of abundance as well and to appreciate everything they have in their lives. Here are some inspiring quotes about abundance. "You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might also pray in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance"-(Kahlil Gibran). "Your most precious, valued possessions and your greatest powers are invisible and intangible. No one can take them. You, and you alone, can give them. You will receive abundance for your giving"-(W. Clement Stone). "To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one's own in the midst of abundance"-(Buddha). So during this holiday season of frantic shopping, socializing and celebrating, we must also remember to feel gratitude and to not lose sight of the true holiday spirit.....sharing our love, our time, our compassion. So pull out your favorite holiday movie, make some popcorn and sit back and enjoy the season....and as I say to my kids, it's not all about the stuff. "Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love"...(Hamilton Wright Mabi).