I had some treasured toy friends when I was a child: a couple of baby dolls, little plastic animals, and an armful of stuffed animals.  I managed to keep these in vintage condition despite having loved them for a couple of decades.  Some of them were used as nursery decor when my son was born but not as play things. But not long ago I took them all out and made them available for my little ones to enjoy.  What prompted this change of heart? I realized that I valued their joy and delight over my material possessions.  Sure, they’re not going to maintain their vintage condition and they probably won’t be passed down to my grandkids but that doesn’t matter to me anymore.  What matters more to me is seeing my little girls rocking the dolls I adored and to see my son’s imagination turn plastic animals into real ones. This is a season of giving.

Whenever I see my children playing with the toys I gave them, I am prompted to consider what else I am giving to them. What habits are being passed from me to them? What skills are they picking up? What values are being instilled deep into their hearts? What memories are filling their minds? What attitudes of the heart are being affirmed?  In years to come I want to see my children:

• In love with the Word of God
• Filled with compassion and kindness
• Not afraid to work
• Inquisitive, imaginative, and creative
• Ready to have fun
• Always ready to learn
• Loyal to family and friends
• As keepers of their word
• Respected by all who know them
• More ready to rejoice than complain

A mother has great influence on her children; hers is not a role that can be taken lightly nor prone to shortcuts. It’s a position that shapes lives, molds character, and instills integrity.  Her approval and comfort will always be sought after by her children, no matter how old they are or how ready they are to admit it. She is one of only two people who can view the values that govern their descendants’ lives and say, “I gave them to my children.”