Why Didn't I Realize This Sooner?

I'm not sure how much of an achievement this is, but for me and even my husband it was one of those tender mercies Elder Bednar has spoken of, one of the moments Elder Eyring and Elder Scott has asked us to write down when they happen and something I wish I had learned long before now.  I'm a little late in writing it down, but better late than never...

Every year at this time, almost like clockwork, my kids instantly become naughtier than usual.  It's one of those unnoticed family traditions we have right before Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Like almost any parent I go for the only weapon in the arsenal: the reduction in or total loss of Christmas presents and/or cancellation of Christmas all together thinking it will give my children an incentive to behave, but it never happens like I want it to.  It becomes quite frustrating trying to think of ways to get them to behave the way I want them to behave rather than recognizing the good things they do.

Last night after another way-too-long, did-the kids-learn-anything family home evening and another lecture about the kids challenging me with their naughty behaviour, a very quiet, profound realization came to me after the lecture that I hope I never forget.....

At Christmas time we give presents to our children because we love them, irregardless of their behaviour prior to the holiday.  In turn our Heavenly Father, even though He knew we would be "naughty" and "challenge" Him with our behaviour and in some ways not always deserve this gift, He gave the world the greatest gift He could give at Christmas time.....the gift of His son, Jesus Christ.  And, He has never threatened to take away that gift or the gifts that Christ gave us because of his sacrifice.

After sharing this with my husband, I think we came to an unspoken, mutual agreement not to threaten the kids with Christmas presents to achieve perfect behaviour, because our Heavenly Father always loves us and still blesses us with gifts everyday, irregardless of our behaviour.