The Materialistic Mermaid

October 10, 2023

When Niko’s son, Xavier, was born, Niko made a decision: he asked his in-laws to refrain from excessive gift-giving to Xavier. His reasoning was clear—he didn’t want his son to grow up materialistic and ungrateful. Niko’s perspective came from observation. He’d seen how his in-laws treated possessions. Gifts brought fleeting happiness—a day or two of joy at most—before being forgotten. The constant stream of material things dulled their sense of appreciation, and Niko didn’t want that for Xavier.

Unfortunately, the warning went unheeded. Xavier’s lack of gratitude began to mirror the same patterns Niko saw in his wife, Sharmaine, and her family. Niko couldn’t help but reflect on how Sharmaine’s upbringing had shaped her. Though she was raised in a Christian household, her parents taught her a prosperity gospel: pray for what you want, and you’ll get it. Over time, her perspective shifted to one of entitlement. Watching Disney princess movies as a child only reinforced the idea that abundance was hers to claim. To Niko, her outlook was captured perfectly in the lyrics of The Little Mermaid:

Look at this stuff
Isn’t it neat?
Wouldn’t you think my collection’s complete?
Wouldn’t you think I’m the girl, the girl who has everything?

…But who cares? No big deal. I want more!

It pained Niko to see how Xavier, despite being young, was already growing indifferent to the gifts he received. One particular incident lingered in Niko’s mind. Xavier’s grandmother gave him a children’s study Bible and another book. Days passed, and Xavier hadn’t expressed any thanks. Niko, determined to instill gratitude, tried prompting Xavier to record a thank-you video for his grandmother. But Xavier, distracted by his eagerness to return to the TV, refused to cooperate.

Niko’s distress was compounded by the fact that he and Sharmaine were having marital issues. They were on the verge of separation, and Niko was no longer living with his wife and son. This added a layer of helplessness as he tried to influence Xavier from a distance. As Niko drove back to Manila that evening, he felt distraught. Was the damage already permanent? Would Xavier follow the same path as his mother, unable to appreciate life’s true gifts?

A Morning Reflection

The next morning, Niko woke early, as he always did, and stepped onto the balcony of his apartment. Over a year ago, he’d planted jasmine along the railing. Now, at 5:30 a.m., he plucked a single flower and sat with his coffee in hand. He sniffed the delicate petals, marveling at how its scent never seemed to run out. The cool morning air and stillness gave him space to reflect.

As he examined the flower, its intricate design captivated him. Each petal was perfectly shaped; its fragrance, subtle yet profound. Niko whispered a prayer: “God, if You will, please speak to me.”

In that moment, Niko couldn’t help but acknowledge the unmatched beauty of God’s creation. Humanity, with all its technological advancements, could never replicate something so exquisite. He wondered what God was thinking when He created this tiny flower. Was He like an artist, intent on every detail? Did He delight in its completion? Did He create it for His own joy, or for humanity’s benefit?

No matter the answer, Niko knew one thing: as beautiful as the jasmine was, it paled in comparison to God’s greatest creation—humanity, “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139).

Divine Reassurance

As Niko sat, lost in thought, he realized that by evening, the flower would wilt. By the next morning, it would be brown, lifeless, and scentless. Yet, its fleeting nature didn’t diminish its beauty. In fact, it made Niko appreciate it even more. “Stop and smell the flowers,” he thought. And tomorrow, there would be more blooms to admire.

Then, in the quiet of the morning, Niko felt God speak to him: “I love that you appreciate My gift. But it would be nice if you did it more often. Besides, it’s for your own good.”

The thought brought a bittersweet smile to Niko’s face. He realized how often he overlooked life’s simple, fleeting blessings. If something as small as a flower could bring joy, what greater treasures might he be missing?

Niko’s thoughts shifted to Xavier. God spoke again: “Don’t worry about your son. If you believe My love was enough to create beauty such as this, then you can be sure I can make something great with your son, whom I care for and love many times more than this flower.”

Lessons in Gratitude

That morning, Niko’s perspective shifted. He realized that while he couldn’t control how others raised his son, he could trust in God’s sovereignty. Just as God intricately designed the jasmine flower, He was shaping Xavier’s heart in ways Niko might not see immediately.

Niko also learned to embrace gratitude himself. He had spent so much time worrying about Xavier’s behavior that he had overlooked the countless gifts in his own life. The jasmine flower was a reminder to slow down, to marvel at God’s creation, and to trust in His plans—for himself and for his son.

A Call to Reflect

Niko’s story is a reminder for all of us. In a world filled with distractions and materialism, it’s easy to overlook the beauty of God’s gifts. Whether it’s a flower, a sunrise, or a child’s potential, these blessings deserve our attention and gratitude.

Take time today to reflect on the gifts in your life. Trust that God, the Creator of all things, is at work—even in the areas that seem most broken. And remember, true appreciation begins with a heart open to His presence.

In the quiet moments of life, God speaks. Are you listening?