What you've got

As I've been teaching my daughter, God is teaching me, about contentment. We, like many, are on a budget- one that always seems slightly less than what I think it should be to be 'comfortable'. :) I've found that its difficult to buy only what you need. Really. There are always good deals, great sales and of course my never ending tendency to stock up for a rainy day. The ONLY way that I've found to be successful at this, is too see what I already have, instead of seeing what I don't have.

I've talked at length with my daughter about this. With her birthday & Christmas fast approaching, she is keenly aware that she is going to get 'stuff' and just kind of goes nuts wanting everything from Incredible Hulk gloves to a 3rd doll house. In my minds eye, I think of the basement full of toys & stuffed animals that seemed so important at one time, but that become overlooked & neglected.

I think the parellel is clear. Its not wrong to want something- its wrong to not see what you already have.