Being an asian kid means having a lot of memorable childhood moments. Weird yet those are the things we deeply treasure in our lives. I remember when I was in kindergarten, I've never got to pick what will be inside of my lunch box. Whatever my mother put there, I should eat it. Not to sound in a harsh way, but it is just a way of teaching us how to appreciate the blessings that we receive. In a 7-day week classes, there is a timeless biscuit that was never absent inside my bag— and that was Hansel. Luckily, there were three flavors that I could taste. My mother decides whether it will be a chocolate, mocha, or milky flavored hansel. By the way, my most favorite one is mocha. It has the mild coffee taste, with a really distinct aroma. Each pack has 4 pieces, I usually share it with my seatmates since I could only eat half. Funny how I and my seatmates who are also my great friends tease each other with our daily snacks. Honestly, I was okay with my snack, but sometimes, I get shy that it became a routine — bringing the hansel pack outside my backpack. There were lucky days when my father gave me the freedom to choose what I want. Literally, those were my happiest times. I remember how I'd wish it was everyday. I've got donuts, pretzels, chips and a lot more. Of course, my mother was against it —but thanks to my dad, he saved me. I called those days my "dayoffs". Dayoff from my mandatory daily school food.

Recently, their brand lauched another variety kf flavor— strawberry milky. I am a huge fan of strawberries and as well as milk. I was scrolling through my news feed and a lot of blogs featured it. I went to different stores to purchase that but according to the web, there are only few markets that sell it for now since it is newly launched. They might say that I joined the hype, but it is too special for me. My sister, (who was also become my hansel-buddy) was fortunate and had the chance to buy one pack. The classic cracker had never change. The strawberry-milky filling did not disappoint me. My siblings gathered to try the new variation of our childhood snack. Turned out to be a mini story telling of our memories. We recalled how we were a little mad at our mother whenever she declined our requests.

Our eldest brother asked why Mama had to do that. And we never expected the answer.

We thought that we lack money that is why we need to eat the same snack everyday. My mother told us that it is a misconception. As a kid, she understands that we did not really realizes what message she was trying to educate us.

"It is the importance of contentment"

Yes, quality of what we have is important. The cleanliness, the benefits, and other factors. But it does not have to be pricey. It is not required that it highly cost. We could sustain our self with low maintenance. My mother did not want us to be always extra— but to be contented of what we have. Our snack made our childhood life a memorable one not because it is what it is, but because it brought a lot of lesson into our lives that are still part of our lives. It improved our beliefs, our life style and of course how we value things around us. I can say that as we grow up, we appreciated every single blessing that was given to us. How ever small or big it is, we thank the creator for showering us unending goods that we don't deserve. But by his grace, his deeds continue.

I am also thankful for my parents, specially my mother who shaped our mind set like this. Parents really want their children to have great capacities and absorb teachings that we can use for the future. Imagine, a biscuit changed our belief. Truly, things are powerful— the way how people manipulate it to become an instrument of change. And to become a part of that change, I pledge that I will continue this to my future children—educating them about the importance of contentment on simple things.

Gratefulness

Another thing, gratefulness was also planted in our hearts. Being grateful for the things that we have. Just like what I have said, we do not really deserve everything that we have in life, but due to God's grace, we are receiving massive blessings from him day by day.

I hope you learned something from this! How about you? What was your childhood snack and what are your takeaways from it? Let our community know, share it in the comment box!

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To more stories I'll write,

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