"These are the children [the Lord] has given me."           

Ge 33:5 NCV

It's easy to complain about the things you don't have, and overlook or take for granted the things you do-simple things that enrich your life! Maybe this story by Dr. James Dobson will help change your perspective.

"Some time ago a friend of mine punished his three-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became upset when she tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, ‘This is for you, Daddy.' He was embarrassed by his earlier over-reaction. But his anger flared again when he opened the box and found it empty. He shouted at her, ‘Don't you know that when you give someone a present there's supposed to be something inside?' The little girl looked up at him in tears and said, ‘Oh, Daddy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into it. I filled it with my love and I wrapped it up just for you.' He was crushed. Quickly he put his arms around her, hugged her and asked for her forgiveness. My friend told me that he kept that gold box by his bed for years, and whenever he got discouraged he'd take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it in there. In a very real sense, each of us parents have been given a gold container filled with the unconditional love of our children. There's not a more precious possession anyone could hold."