Waste Not

Posted by Meg | 0 comments

The coming and going of the holiday season always brings the concept of gratitude back to my mind. The Christmas season is a time of intense spending, gratuitous gain, and over-the-top marketing. My views on material possessions challenge the way that most of America views them today, and our family’s ideas and beliefs about consumerism and consumption are not the most popular, by any means!

I have noted and learned from the examples set by my grandparents and parents….in many areas. One of the most treasured virtues I’ve gleaned from observing their lifestyles is gratitude. It is a virtue I long to instill in the hearts of our two children.

I see gratitude in a multi-faceted way. It’s not merely remembering to say, “thank you.” It is a mindset. It is a lifestyle. It stems from the heart.

In today’s modern, fast-paced society, I sincerely believe that gratitude is a fading notion. We live in a use-and-toss nation. We give little thought to slowing down and enjoying things that are fleeting. We take things for granted. We use and abuse our possessions….and yet we’re always aiming to acquire more. The ungrateful attitude a downward spiral that is circling faster….and one I don’t wish my family to be caught up within.

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord…” Psalm 92:1a

Here are some things I try to implement in our home, things I aim to demonstrate for our children, in hopes of dispelling the ungrateful tendencies that naturally reside within every single human heart:

• At dinnertime, our children are not forced to clean their plates (since we believe this may cause a future unhealthy relationship with food and eating). They are, however, asked to try a bite of everything at least once. Instead of saying, “I don’t like this,” we encourage them to instead say, “This isn’t my favorite.” It teaches an attitude of gratitude, despite the fact that a particular food may not suit their likings.

• When gifts are given to our children, they know to say “thank you” and accept it gladly, even if they don’t particularly like it, want it, or if they already have one just like it. I’ve even heard to require them to take a step farther and say something positive (aloud) to the gift giver about the present, to encourage their hearts to look on the bright side and seek out positive attributes instead of complaining about the negatives.

• Our children are constantly hearing us talk about how God has blessed our family, how fortunate we are to have a home, a car, fun toys to play with and nice clothes to wear. Twice a year (before Christmas and birthdays) they physically help us clean out their toy boxes and shelves to pull items out to hand down to younger children or donate to a charity.

• They observe my semi-frugal ways every single day. In regards to homekeeping, I clip coupons, use up food leftovers, take care of, repair, and clean our home, and conserve electricity.

• Even through this, they see the value of a few “nice” luxury goods that we’ve chosen to hold, so that they know that money can be spent wisely on things of great personal value. Being frugal doesn’t always mean being “cheap.” We attempt to make wise, informed decisions about the products we buy for our home and personal use, taking care to keep those items protected, clean, safe, and well-cared for.

• Gift giving (from us to our children) is held out for special occasions. We limit their exposure to television ads, toy catalogs by mail, and trips to toy stores. When children see things, they want things. By limiting when we give them new toys and special treats, their joy and gratitude is always full of excitement and awe. They don’t grow used to an influx of new things, and that not only grows their character and increases their appreciation, it is also good for our family pocketbook, as well!

There are so many other ways one can teach gratitude to one’s children. It is a disappearing virtue, but it doesn’t have to be for your family. Gratitude is not just for Thanksgiving; it can be celebrated and embraced all year long!

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder

Meg is a devoted wife to her husband, Ken, of 9 years, and mom and homeschooling teacher to her two children, five-year-old son “G” and three-year-old daughter “R.” When she’s not writing or creating something, Meg loves to cook for, host and entertain friends and family. She also enjoys reading, the outdoors, eclectic music, yoga, and studying history. You can read all about her adventures (and misadventures) at her blog, Muses of Megret and read her educational product reviews at Muse Reviews.