The importance of selfless giving.

As a Prairie Muffin, I know that I am not to idolize Laura Ingalls. However, there are many things about her life story that can be wonderful lessons for us.

The Ingalls taught their girls to be selfless. When Mary went blind, everything changed for their family. Laura was expected to teach, an idea she found distasteful. But teach she did. She taught several terms, often under difficult circumstances. Then, when she was paid, she handed her money over to Pa, for Mary's college fund.

To most people today, this would seem totally unfair. Why should I do something I do not want to do, for someone else's benefit? How unfair is that?

Mary did go to a school for the blind for seven years. She learned many things that allowed her to lead a somewhat productive life and also make friends. After college, she came home, never to leave again. She lived with Ma for the rest of her life.

Was Laura bitter about the years she spent working for her sister's education? I think not. I believe she was trained to do the selfless thing, and all benefitted from it.

Selflessness is not a natural thing. Most of us are extremely selfish. Selflessness must be taught, instilled in the hearts of little ones.

When I figure out how to do that, I'll let you know; )

R