Tag: Playing

What a difference a couple generations make. Pictured is the toybox my mother had as a child. By todays standard, she had next to nothing.

What did children do back it the day? My guess is they used their imagination. Children were also vital members of the family. They had responsibilities—whether it be helping with the dishes or feeding the chickens. It was another way of life. Foreign to many young ones today.

Getting our children to clean their rooms was a constant battle. It took all day. Only because they unearthed a toy shoved deep under the bed—prompting renewed interest in it as a long-lost friend. Play time!

After Christmas, it was time to find a place for the new playthings.

After a full day of cleaning/playing in their bedroom it looked no better than when they started. Desperate parents do desperate things. Their dad brought in the big guns, the garden rake and a huge box. Toys left out were raked into the box. The only way to get them back was to purchase them. Prices ranged from a penny to a nickel.

In fairness to them, twenty-twenty hindsight acknowledges the kids lacked a thing called away. Toyboxes only hold so much—and no place to put puzzles or games that might spill pieces. To our surprise—and disappointment, some things were never purchased. 

That was a huge lesson for us. We had our reasons, but bought too much! The grandparents on both sides of the family had limited income. We picked up the slack—wanting our children to have a good Christmas. Or birthday—the only times gifts were given.

Today I read of families that prior to the holidays, go through the toys, selecting the ones outgrown to donate to other children. It teaches charity and letting go. Both have value in todays’ economy. I learn my best child-raising ideas after it is too late. Mine are now grown adults. I might add they all live responsible lives, despite their over-indulgent parents. We are not alone.

Jesus gives good gifts too, on a daily basis. The necessary ones, that will draw us to him so we can spend eternity together. He too overindulges—on grace, mercy and forgiveness.