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When one invests one's money, effort, creativity or any other attributes of oneself he feels ownership of it. It becomes important to an individual to take care of it.
Unfortunately, we are in the midst of disposable society where everything is considered temporary and disposable.
In the not too distant past, we drank water from glasses. These glasses and cups were washed and reused. In today's world, water comes in plastic bottles. Often our dishes and utensils are made of plastic.
Baby diapers lined with plastic wind up in our waterways along with other disposable items. Of course there is nothing wrong with use of plastic items, however, we need to learn how to dispose of them.
Ownership is a crown jewel. Today people are encouraged to rent anything and everything from homes, to cars. When an individual does not own something, it loses its value.
When one owns something, it generates pride in the owner and he will take better care of it thus make it more attractive for others to look at.
A paramount example comes to mind. Our youngest daughter received a first two-wheeler bicycle as a birthday present; she was ever so happy and needed to share her happiness with her friends. Her father and I had always encouraged our children to be generous.
On a beautiful sunny day, she rode her bike with pride. When she came into the house, I had to run an errand and one of my friends, a Girl Scout leader, Mary, was visiting and offered to stay with my children while I made the trip.
My trip was short lived. Soon I came back into our home through the back door and announced to our six-year-old; "Vera you no longer have a bicycle!"
She said; "why?" I replied; "Because I just backed over it with the station wagon. I could not see your bike in my rear-view mirror nor my side mirror."
Vera started crying. She had been told that she was responsible for her bike. But, she pleaded that it was her friend who had laid the bike after she rode it.
I further explained to her that it was her bicycle and she was responsible for it. "Furthermore, I said, Amy is your friend, not mine. You are lucky that I did not burst a tire or you would been responsible for fixing it." More tears and hugs.
When her father came home from work, our family had a conversation. Her dad and I decided that Vera will get a new bike, but she will have to pay for half of it from her savings.
It was amazing how well Vera took care of her bicycle. It was never left outside where it got rained on it.
Was it because she had invested in it? I do believe so.
Val Hoover
Marietta