She said she simplified the whole process in her family by thinking about the gifts given to Jesus. He received three gifts and she couldn’t think of why any other human should receive more than He did.

Wow! What a freeing thought. I was excited by her comment and instantly my mind went a step further.

Jesus received gold – a gift of great value, frankincense – a gift for the body (used in healing), and myrrh – a sweet smelling gift for the spirit (also used for healing when the spirit is involved). So, thought I, why not give each person a gift of value (something a little more expensive and what they really want), a gift for their physical well-being, and a gift to help them in their spiritual walk.
I’ve adopted that in gift giving. It even runs over into birthday presents. It has really helped simplify my shopping, spending and debating during the busy rush of the season.

I don’t know if you can use it but it’s there for the taking. Enjoy this season, rejoice in the Savior!

A couple of things stuck out to me.  Things that can help any parent trying to raise children to have a servant’s heart and  not narcissistic.  I wish I had done more of these with my children because I see in them glaring narcissistic traits.

Teach them to be grateful for everything.  Not only the please and thank you of courtesy but being thankful for their clothes, food, family, etc.  Teach them that they are not special, they cannot do things without other people’s help.  When they become selfish or greedy, remind them that someone else provided the desired thing for them, they didn’t acquire it because the were so smart, athletic, talented, good-looking, etc.  Help them understand all they have been given is a gift.  You know as well as I, that in this economy the things we take for granted can disappear with the appearance of one little pink slip of paper.

We are fast approaching the Thanksgiving holiday (which most will treat lightly).  Between now and then have your children daily write out one or two things they are truly grateful for and put them in a container.  Help them understand the benefit of the particular thing.  Then on Thanksgiving Day, have them write notes or letters of thanksgiving to the person or organization that supplied that item.  The idea here is to have them begin to verbally express thanks to those around them  for what they have.  From Thanksgiving Day on, use a couple of those items to begin your family prayer time.  This reinforces to them that we owe all our thanks to God.

If you can ingrain this into your children as a habit, then in adulthood they won’t be just another person in this generation of “it’s all about me”. They will stand out as models of “it’s all about God and others”.

For the most part I can see God’s hand at work in it all.  Some of it we’re still wading through.  Probably the biggest thing I’ve learned from all of it is a saying I’ve adopted as a motto for this year (and maybe the next), “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.

As the school year threatens to start remember God is going to change you this year.  It may hurt, be uncomfortable or quite pleasant. Regardless of how it comes, know that God’s design is far better than what we can ask or think.  And remember – If you want to make God laugh . . .