We’ve likely all heard that laughter is good medicine and I’m happy that laughing it is relatively common for our household. Whether it comes from the shenanigans of my littles or the antics of my older kiddos, we laugh hard and often.
Most recently, my 10 year old daughter told me a story that I considered to be quite hilarious. Although my recanting of the details may not do this story justice, I’ll share anyway with hopes that you’ll create imagery to fill in the gaps….
Last month, my daughter was attending the birthday for her friend’s younger brother. At the party, the birthday boy’s grandfather deceided to play a prank on his 7 year-old grandson by wrapping a “special gift”. As the eager birthday boy began to open his presents, he anxiously started unwrapping the one from his grandfather. To his disappointment, he revealed a carefully wrapped can of corn! The shock of this big reveal was more than funny according to my daughter. I can only imagine the look on the little boy’s face as room burst into laughter. I’m told that the grandfather went along with the joke for some time before revealing the “real” gift which happened to be a much appreciated fishing kit.
Even those this little antic was a classic prank, it also left me to ponder just how materialistic our society has become and how much we, (myself included), take for granted. I’m sure there are thousands of kids around the world that would be delighted to receive that can of corn even though many from our society's younger generation would be left in a state of confusion and dismay.
I admit, this gave me a good laugh as I considered the little boy’s shock, but it also has me wonder: “How can I instill an attitude of gratitude in my children?”