The Kids of Integrity Challenge is finished!

The "A-OK as is" lesson

A few months ago, I was selling an item online and the woman who came to pick it up had a great personalized license plate on her car: AOKASIS (A-OK as is). The kids were curious and asked me what it meant. I explained the term “A-OK” and suggested that the lady is happy with her life the way it is. That statement really made an impact on them. When we began the lesson on Contentedness and asked if they understood what the term meant, Benjamin immediately piped up, “Yeah! It’s like that lady’s license plate!” God bless her! I’m sure she had no idea she was nicely setting up our character training.

Rob and I started the discussion by talking about the things many people are dissatisfied with. We explained to the kids that plenty of individuals (in North America especially) are unhappy with their talents and abilities – always wanting to be better or more like someone else. We talked about the fashion industry and how a pair of designer jeans might cost a lot of money, but folks still buy them because they want to wear that label and are not content with something “ordinary.” Billion dollar cosmetics, hair and plastic surgery industries were also explained under the heading appearances.

When we got to the topic of possessions, Jessica immediately suggested that some kids may not be content with the books and toys they have. (Ironically, she is sometimes one of them!) That thought was developed as we talked about the assets many adults are unhappy with: house, car, job, bank account, etc.

Truly, the discussion left the kids a bit wide-eyed. They’re not used to much talk about dissatisfaction. Rob and I try to make it a point to celebrate each of our strengths and spiritual giftings. I find great items in second-hand stores, and we delight in getting good deals. We frequently thank God for our cozy (smallish) home in a well-established (older) neighbourhood. We’re grateful for Daddy’s steady job (as challenging as it is sometimes!) and we value our dependable 10-year-old car.

The final point in our Contentedness introduction was this: people who compare themselves to those who have bigger/better/more will often become unhappy with how little they have. But people who are sensitive to the needs of the less fortunate will often find themselves ever so thankful for all they have.

Our memory verse is plucked from the middle of Hebrews 13:5 – “ . . . be satisfied with what you have. The Lord has promised that He will not leave us . . .” (CEV).

If we have Jesus, we have EVERYTHING! Now let’s see if we can really live that out every day. Hmmm . . . that means I have to be satisfied with the number of hours in my day. I’m happy with our house, but I sure could use some extra time to get a few more things off my list . . . 

Tags:

• Contentedness