The Toddler Laws of Property

The Toddler Laws of Property
1. If I like it, it's mine
2. If it's in my hand, it's mine
3. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine
4. If it looks just like mine, it's mine
5. If I think it's mine, it's mine!

So my beloved toddler has entered a phase (or perhaps permanently) where everything belongs to him. The juice I was drinking "Is mine!" The couch I was sitting on "Is Mine!" The car I'm driving "Is Mine!" The glasses, which would blind any other human being, "Is Mine!" And as a parent I teach him to share ... and gently remind him "Everything is provided by me and your very existence depends on me. I brought you into this world... yada yada yada."

Now this has been going on for weeks but it hit a spark today. Don't I live my life with this "Everything is Mine" mentality? My money is mine, my time is mine, my house, car, boat (I wish) is mine. But no... everything I have has been provided by my heavenly Father. How would my life be different if I lived acknowledging that? Would I share more abundantly? Will I be more grateful for the things I have? Will I praise him for the blessings that overflow and in times of drought? "You give and take away, you give and take away, but my heart will choose to say, blessed be your name."

Lord, help me to grow out of my infantile view of possessions. Let me live with love and joy under my Father's care.