Love sibling more than toy…..

Matthew 6:19-21 states: “Do not store up for yourselves on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal, For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
We live in a world that is consumed with material possessions. I believe we are programmed to treasure material possessions even in our early childhood. As babies we are encouraged to cling to a blanket or pacifier for comfort. We fight with our siblings over our toys. We are rewarded for good behavior with toys and prizes. Loving parents unknowingly reinforce their children’s love for stuff. Only God can reveal a healthy balance with loving our children through gifts and stuff while teaching them to love God more than their belongings. God comes first, even when it comes to toys. When Jennah and Joshua don’t want to share their toys with each other, I remind them to share because they love their sibling more than the toy. They reluctantly share, but as I take time to teach them, they learn they show love to their sibling by sharing their toys, even if they don’t want to. At first I would tell Jennah to share or I would put the toy away. She would then respond to me, put the toy up mommy. I couldn’t believe she would rather not play with the toy than to share! Then I had to tell her to share or I would give all of the parts of the toy to Joshua. She then learned to share so she could continue to participate. I have continued this principle with Joshua and Jonah. How precious is that thought, to train our children to first love God, then family, long before our possessions! I pray God will inspire you with creative ways to teach your children to love and honor God first in their young lives.

Lord, please bless my sisters as they continue on this journey of motherhood. Bless our efforts to make every word and action bring glory to you. I pray that you will guide us to say and do what you would have us to do so that our children will see you through us.