“The Barbies are ruining my mind!” was my granddaughter’s reply when asked why she no longer played with the glamorous doll whose long legs and glitzy wardrobe defy reality. Instead, she carried around an American Girl doll, which actually resembled a little girl and did not own a brassiere!
I was amazed at the wisdom set forth by this seven year old.
Many of us march absent-mindedly through life neither identifying nor confronting the things that might be “ruining our minds.” They are often minor things, but could be anything that has become an obsession or that takes precedence over things of value. They are things that gradually erode our thoughts and carry us off course.
The scale is wide and includes an infinite assortment of hollow distractions. There is something for everyone. For me, Barbie dolls are not a problem, but there are plenty of other things that could be “ruining my mind.” For others it might be video games, Internet surfing, soap operas, gambling, the Sports Channel, anything done to excess and running in the opposite direction from “Improving our minds.”
I applaud the decision of my young granddaughter to leave behind an activity that she feels does not mesh with her goals. She understands that the flashy lifestyle portrayed by the doll is shallow and artificial, and not where she wants her focus to be.
Her insightfulness has blazed a trail for all to follow.
“And a little child shall lead them.”
Isaiah 11:6
4 comments:
Hi Mom. I've missed your writing! This message is so timely for me. Someone has just recently made an observation of me that was very difficult for me to hear, because immediately I knew it was true. But, I am so grateful to have heard a truth that could dispel what was "ruining my mind"- my disillusioned view off things. Now, I feel that my vision is clearer, focus is brighter, and course is steadier.
awesome mom. brilliant ideas and beautifully expressed. you are the bomb, mom.
Great words Mom. It makes me think of the recent talk by Dallin Oaks entitled "Good Better Best." Even some of those things that are good and that may not be "ruining our minds" may be preventing us from doing the best things.
Barbie dolls are ruining my mind too. We can all learn from this.
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