I took a trip to one of those big-box stores today. The first trip in a long time…and I was saddened by selection of the toys I saw.
My children were hanging out of the cart on both sides, admiring the figures behind plastic, stuck still in their awkward upright positions. I heard a lot of “wooooow mom” and “looooook” and “I want that!” I think I too was a bit dazzled at first by the collect-the-set kinds of plastic toys in rainbows of bright colors. But then I took a step back as I was looking for some “real” toys for the Toys for Tots charity, and then I couldn’t find many.
Where were the wooden building blocks? Where were the wooden jigsaw puzzles? I did find crayon sets, picture books, and a few real die-cast metal toy cars. Where are the baby dolls you dress in your own hand-sewn clothing designs? Where are the chemistry sets that help you make sugar rock-candy? Are the days of real wood, paper, and metal gone?
As I was walking in the aisles filled with plastic, I saw a shadow of me of the person I once was and the life I chose not very long ago. It was a life of the newest, shiniest, and the most technologically advanced and more is better. Maybe I picked up this attitude from shopping at stores like this one, or reading popular magazines, or watching popular TV, or going to trendy spots. After reading around the blogosphere a lot this year, I have changed my life quite a bit. Well, a lot. Remembering the way I was brought up in the rural country, living a slower, simpler, more organic life got me thinking about what I really want to have in my life and incorporate into my family’s life, and what I really want to eliminate.
I want to eliminate excess and waste. I want to incorporate real materials, love, and feeling. I feel a little re-born, and I feel a bit more “grown up.” But I feel lucky to be turning this corner of life’s journey.
Reflection is an interesting thing, reminding you how far you have come. Now, off to find those wooden building blocks.
Wonderful post! I remember getting wooden blocks and Lincoln Logs for my sons. About four years ago, I allowed my kids video games. A year or so before that we got cable. Now they are 13 and 12, and I have never gone full force with what the world says is fun, but I am constantly setting boundaries, monitoring, and making sure they know what is more important. I wanted to protect them forever from the plastic, instant satisfaction world. But now they have a little exposure to it, while I place the focus on the wonders of God and family.
I guess I just wanted to say this quest you are following for your children will last as they grow older. And thank God we turn those new corners every so often.