I had a Grade 1 student in my class this year who would share EVERYTHING. He would give away anything that he had. I had to stop him sometimes, by explaining that his Mom or Dad had bought that toy for him, and they really wanted him to play with it. He could invite others to play with him, but he couldn't give it away. I know I sound awfully controlling, but sometimes these little ones need guidance.
It's about finding the balance . . . isn't it? We want our children (and ourselves) to be sharing, generous, giving persons. But there are times when there are items we need to treasure for ourselves. Most things can be shared . . . and should be.
As an adult I personally struggle with this . . . and I hate that weakness/character flaw in myself. Is sharing and lending the same thing? We have several persons in our lives who want to "borrow" things . . . anything from tools to toys to other items we have worked hard for. For some reason many of the persons who borrow from us borrow and then keep the item at their place for long periods of time. Then it is a matter of us having to go ask for it back when we need it. I have no trouble sharing with those who are with us, or who come to visit or stay with us. Just sometimes irks me when we lend something to a neighbour, their kids play with it for about 20 minutes and it sits in their yard.
This is just one example - a neighbour of ours wanted to borrow a water craft for a few days while he has family visiting. This is fine, we like to help. But for the next three days while it is at their house we don't have use of it. And, we are having our own company on the weekend. And I am going to feel bad going to have to ask for it back when our company is here. It just causes such an internal struggle for me. I wish I didn't feel this way. I wish I had a more generous spirit.
Last night three young boys (the size of men) came to borrow another water craft. It is very old and is held together with a lick and a promise (patched, but delicate). For our family to gently use it, it would last us another 10 years. But for 3 young energetic boys who are wanting to have fun, it wouldn't last a day. Hubby just explained this to them and said "sorry, doesn't work for us, and this is why . . . " And I feel guilty.
I guess I struggle because we wouldn't borrow something from our neighbours (hubby does borrow the odd tool from a friend) for our children to play with. Mostly because with our luck it would break, and we would be out dollars because we would feel we have to replace it. Some who borrow, borrow because they don't have the funds to buy for themselves, but also wouldn't have the funds to replace something of someone else's they break either.
Anyhow, I'm working on this . . . but I hate being placed in a position of wanting to say "no", and when I say "yes" that it puts out my family and my company at times.
I keep praying for God to give me a more generous spirit
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