Exploring Our Children’s Potentials

Some three weeks ago I casually mentioned to Anya that we’d be making some Christmas cards to give to her friends.

Upon hearing this idea, she asked, ‘Why do we need to make cards to give to others when we’ve received none from other people?’

She then continued, ‘If people don’t give us anything, then why should we give anything to them?’

…

My conversation with 6.5yo Anya reminded me how the concept of giving (without expecting anything in return) is something that’s increasingly … forgotten. Amongst children and adults.

Especially, in today’s society where the focus is very much on me, myself and I.

I’ll give, I’ll share and I’ll help … if I get acknowledged.

Or, if I receive something in return.

…

The Bible teaches us something completely different though.

It’s written in Acts 20:35 that ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.‘

We give and share with others NOT so that we can receive something in return afterwards, BUT because we’ve in fact been given so much to begin with.

Romans 5:8 said, ‘But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’

While we’re still enemy of God, unworthy of His mercy, we’ve firstly been given His great love and forgiveness.

We have received so much from above that we should learn to give and share with others, without expecting anything back from them.

Indeed, THIS concept of giving may not be common these days.

But it definitely is something that needs to continually be learned.

And exercised.

And, passed on to the younger generation.

…

As for my conversation with Anya earlier, this is how it went, more or less:

Mom : Do Mommy and Daddy care for you every day since you were born?

Anya : *nodded*

Mom : And have you given us something in return?

Anya : *paused* I give you notes and cards …

Mom : *smiled* Well, do you think you’ve given us as much as we’ve given to you? You live in a home with us, you have food to eat, you go to school, you have swimming classes, you have toys, etc.

Anya : *shook head and listened*

Mom : We continue to give and share although you’re not able to give as much, right? God has given us so much blessings as well. Countless. Remember how the Bible says, it’s more blessed to give than to receive ?

Anya : Yes

Mom : It’s better to give, and share. We’ll feel the joy too when others are blessed through what we give. I learn about giving from others as well, who give and share many things with us.

(We then talked about a few instances / examples that she knew, ie. when our friends shared and gave us things in the past)

…

Anyway.

If you ask me, I’ll say it’ll take a lifetime for little Anya, for me, for anyone, to learn about sharing and giving.

Because, … we’re naturally selfish people.

As parents, I’m constantly reminded that we need to walk our talk too. We need to be living examples to the little ones, every day.

It really is not easy though, since we’re far from perfect ourselves.

But, with God’s help, it’s not impossible.

Especially, when we are reminded again of how much God has demonstrated His great love to us when He sent His one and only Son to this world, on a day we all celebrate as … CHRISTmas.

…

May you all have a blessed Christmas!