I had a humbling day at the park. I hosted another big park wedding work day with the Everett Gospel Mission. We had around 20 women there, we've got about 10 acres of dandelions, so we put a dent in the work but not much! The women who came today have nothing, or at least not much. They have a good spirit and big hearts. But they also have stories, ones I don't want to ask about. It reminds me of how much I have. It's almost hard to be around them-I drove my leather seated SUV to the grocery after and bought whatever we needed. I filled the tank up with gas, I didn't have to ration my money. I try not to buy too much, rarely buy clothes for any of us and I've cut back on fancy stuff from the store-like expensive cheese and prepackaged foods. But, I didn't have to pick between groceries or gas. Or, groceries or health insurance.
As a parent, I'm torn. I recognize my kids have more than the need, but isn't that what you want for your kids? To have more than you had. On one hand, I want them to appreciate what they've got and yet also want to give them anything they ask for, if we can afford it. I could buy a new toy for the kids, or push them on the swing for free entertainment.
In the long run, I think it's more important to teach, "No," and let your kids go without. I don't want my children to take things for granted, but I want them to have any opportunity for success that comes to them. I also want to share what we've got with people who don't. Time to sort through the toys and donate them to the mission. Along with my maternity clothes, I don't need those anymore!
3 comments:
Good post. I tend to feel bad for my kids because I will NEVER be able to provide for them what my parents did for us.. simply because we'll never make as much. I find it hard to reconcile because I equally don't want to have too much stuff.
But the taking things for granted bothers me and I don't know how to prevent that. It's good to be aware, I guess.
I think every parent wants their child to have more than they did. It is part of being a parent - part of what is natural and makes us strive to do the right thing for our families.
I struggle with this with Petunia, too. She is five years old and has already seen a Broadway play, been to Disney World four or five times, has an obnoxious amount of Playmobil (which is not cheap!), etc. Yet, I don't think it's the stuff or the experiences that are inherently bad. I just never want her to think she's entitled to anything or that she's better because she has this stuff and others don't.
No pressure, but you are my last chance for a red-haired child.
I'll get over it....eventually.
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