Vitamin N

Herald Journal article written by Sally Wright - just thought I would share:)

I overheard a startling conversation the other day. I was lurking in the toy aisle of a large, discount store when I saw a family, also browsing.
A mother and three of her children were apparently Christmas shopping for another sibling who was not with them.
"I know he'd just love those fun night-vision goggles," the mom said. "But I can't afford them."
This comment shouldn't startle anyone. The lagging economy is making many families come to their senses and opt for a more modest selection of prizes under the tree. What surprised me is what the children said next.
The pre-teen boy said, and I quote with the accuracy of a journalist, "Oh."
Then he said, "Well, how about one of these other things? This science kit is less than half what those goggles cost, and he'd probably like it just as much."
The other children started pointing out various toys in the lower price range their absent brother was sure to love - often with thoughtful insight.
"This box has hardly any instructions to read. He'd love that!" said a younger brother.
I was amazed. Not only were the children cooperating to benefit their brother, but there was absolutely no disappointment or complaining about the family's budget constraints. Mom said "no," and the kids got over it, just like that.
It was a dose of what a former bishop of mine called "Vitamin N."
Nobody like to give it, and receiving a "no" can be a bummer. But regular small doses of "Vitamin N" seem to be character-building in the most positive ways.
Consider another holiday conversation I witnessed last week in my ward's Primary.
The teacher asked the children to tell the group something they wanted for Christmas. Even in my economically diverse ward, it was as if she had pushed the Children's invisible Greed Buttons. There was mention of iPods, video games and piles of brand-name, heavily-marketed toys. Several children had to be cut off to allow the next child an opportunity to respond, or they'd probably still be listing their holiday desires.
But the tone was decidedly different with two little sisters, ages 4 and 6.
The first one said she wanted either a toy elephant, or maybe a toy kitty, she couldn't decide which.
The older one had a hard time thinking of something she wanted.
"Ummmmm," she said. "Ummmm . . . I think I want . . a glitter pen."
That's right - her grandest, greediest holiday with is a ball-point pen that sparkles a bit.
These girls' Christmas wishes humbled me. Clearly, there is plenty of Vitamin N served up at their house - maybe more that they need. Parents say "no," because there is no other answer. Gifts are small, but the children are hardly suffering. They have a more realistic concept of what a nice threat is than most folks, and they had lots to say when the class spoke of family Christmas traditions.
Most of us could learn something from these families about what's really important at Christmas time and the rest of the year. I know I tend to fuss and whine when the answer to a prayer is "no."
"Pleeeeease?" I whine to the Almighty. But the answer often stays "no," for my own good, which I usually cannot see until much later. When I'm feeling spiritually mature, a dose of Vitamin N allows me to appreciate the many blessings I already have. Opportunities to share with others makes perceived deprivation sting less, until it melts away.
If given too much, Vitamin N can cause bitterness and resentment, but in the right amount, Vitamin N promotes the growth of humility and gratitude. It's OK to say no sometimes with good reason, and it's OK to hear it and still be happy.
Christmas, after all, is an opportunity to celebrate the birth of Christ, the Light of the World. So my kids and I don't really need nightvision goggles, after all.