The Lasting Present by Hannarich Asiedu
Every parent wished they could have that one birthday or Christmas present to keep their kids excited for years and years to come. And not have to worry about getting more toys every year. Is there such a gift? That perfect gift?
I am currently a mother to a 3-year-old, a 2-year-old, and a 10-month-old. I realize that over the years, the periods where they get special presents from my husband and I are mainly on their birthdays and Christmases. Anything we get in-between is usually a random gift we probably just saw during shopping. What I realize is once they get the new present, they immediately forget about the old ones. They hold on to their new toys’ in the mornings and afternoons and evenings. They eat with it, bath with it, sleep with it. But, give it a few days or weeks and viola, the new toy becomes just like the old toys. And so, the cycle continues year after year.
This reminds of the little boy “Andy” in Toy Story. Andy has his favorite toy called Sheriff Woody, a wooden cowboy toy, and Woody champions all his other toys. But Andy gets a new toy, which is a more modern one called “Buzz lightyear.” So, the dilemma begins when Andy prefers his new toy “Buzz” over his old favorite toy, “Woody,” which sets the tone for the toy stories.
So, what is the perfect present that will not be forgotten by our kids? What is that present that will have a long-lasting value even to eternity? That is the present of the “Memory Verse.” In addition to all the physical toys we give our children each year, let us introduce this new addition. That we provide them with a memory verse well prayed and thought after. Like me, if you have young kids, you may think they are too young for that. But let me tell you, we started teaching our two older kids some memory verses, and to our amazement, they actually remember them and recite them often. It is never too early or too late to begin giving our children the gift of a memory verse and their physical presents. Because that gift will have value not just for the now but also for the future. 1 Timothy 4.8 says, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (NIV).
This is the perfect gift, one that can never get old and be damped. One that will affect all areas of your child’s life: their careers, choosing a life partner, in the actual marriage, in their ministry, in their dark times when they cannot run to you, and in their happy times when they need to point all the glory to God.
So, from now on, let us endeavor to give our children a memory verse every single birthday and every Christmas. And every year, especially with older kids, let us engage in dialogues with them over the previous memory verses and the impacts they’ve had on their lives through the years. These will open up more avenues for good family conversations.
You do not have to think this over and wonder what the “perfect memory verse gift “can be. It could be those scriptures that have personally encouraged us, equipped us, scriptures of warfare, scriptures that tell of the Glory of God, and many more. Did you know there were three hundred and sixty-five mentions of “fear not” in the Bible? This means there was one “fear not” for every day of the year. You can start with those. The list of memory verses is endless. Any word or phrase from the Bible is that “Perfect Gift.” Isaiah 55.11 says, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (NIV). Every memory verse we present as gifts to our children will accomplish its purpose in their lives according to God’s word in Isaiah 55.11.
Be creative, it can be engraved on a mug, a bracelet, a pen, a notepad, a necklace, or simply written on a piece of paper.
I don’t remember most of the toys I had as a child. I do remember a particular doll that could eat, cry, and laugh. Yet, I have no idea where it is. All the memory verses I learned as a child has stayed with me through the years till now. They never grew old.
Give your child that Perfect Lasting Christmas and Birthday Present. The gift of a memory verse.
Hannarich Asiedu is an addicted lover of God. She has a bachelor's degree in English and French and has been in Management handling Corporate Relations for almost a decade now. She's also an Author, Speaker, and Certified Life Coach who believes that happiness is contagious and longs to see everyone she encounters enjoy a happy and fulfilling life.
A boy-mom of three little guys, there's never a dull moment in her life. She is happily married and resides in Dallas, Texas with her family.