"We often learn the most from our children. Some time ago a friend of mine punished her 3-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight, and she became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her mother the next morning and said, 'This is for you, Mummy.'

"She was embarrassed by her earlier over-reaction, but her anger flared again when she found that the box was empty. She yelled at her, 'Don't you know that when you give someone a present, there's supposed to be something inside of it?' The little girl looked up at her with tears in her eyes and said, 'Oh Mummy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into the box. All for you, Mummy.'

"The mother was crushed. She put her arms around her little girl, and she begged her forgiveness. My friend told me that she kept that gold box by her bed for years. Whenever she was discouraged, she would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there. In a very real sense, each of us as parents has been given a gold container filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children. There is no more precious possession anyone could hold."

I cringe when I think of the times I have done something similar. Between all the fussing and the disciplining, I sometimes need to stop and remember what a treasure my children are (all three of them!), and how thankful I am to God for blessing me through them.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is His reward." (Psalm 127:3)

Do remember your children, grandchildren, and just praise God what a blessing they are to us all.