Spoiled children become selfish adults.

Today our sermon was on graditude and the trap of wanting more stuff. Never being content. Wishing your fish bowl was a different address. As I listened to the sermon, I realized I have been guilty of this vicious trap. I want a laundry room, while mothers wish for clean water to give their children. I want a patio set, while mothers wish for food to feed their family, I like to take our children to buy back to school clothes, while mothers wish their children could attend school for a better life. It is so evident in adults today if they were spoiled as children. There is pouting and withdrawal if their way isn't obtained. Others are avoided to punish. Communications are broken down. There is manipulation of people's feelings and power. Selfish adults are more dangerous than children because of their control and power. We expect our children to be respectful, helpful, caring, and unselfish, and yet, we are shocked when they behave exactly as they have seen at home. Adults who never had to sacrifice for others while growing up learn to do what they want, regardless of how it affects other people in their lives. These people were children who had too much control growing up, they sort of kept the whole family in crisis all the time, thus their home will be a constant state of turmoil. I do not want to raise selfish children. I want to teach them the beauty in being content in who they are, not what they have or what they want. Today I am grateful I heard the message this morning. I really heard it.