In our house, serving others and the community was always a big thing. I wanted to raise an unselfish person who believed in giving to others. as this was my Christian belief.
As part of our weekly activities, we served in several different ways throughout the years. We took part in several community walks to raise monies for various organizations. Some of which included health issues such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, as well as issues that involved our environment.
We also volunteered quite a bit with animal issues. Since we were both big animal lovers this was especially fun. We were volunteers at different animal shelters and walked the stray dogs. Of course, with each new dog came the big question, “Can we take him home, Mom?” We collected money for the shelters as well.
Something that I really feel good about is Christmastime charity. We threw our money in to every red kettle that we saw. Sometimes when we were a little low on funds this was difficult, but then my child would look at me with big brown eyes and say, “but Mom, it is for the poor people.” Wow, he really set my heart straight in a hurry.
One Christmas we decided we would deliver items to the local teen group home community. We were not sure what our budget would allow, but while walking through the store my child pointed up to a sign that said, “Discounted 50 per cent.” Basketballs. It was the perfect gift. We were able to buy several of them. They were discounted because it was winter and too cold outside to play basketball. However, they could be used in an indoor gym or in the upcoming months ahead.
We did not wrap them, but drove straight to the group home. My child looked so proud of himself delivering his gifts. There were a bunch of kids around and their eyes lit up when we walked in. The kids just smiled and said, “Are those for us?” They appeared to be excited, which made us feel great inside.
Encouraging your kids to serve others can be very beneficial in helping to shape their personality. It is not only good for your children, as it makes them feel so good about themselves and others, but good for the recipient as well. They know that someone in the world truly cares about them. In turn, the recipient may even become a person who wants to do unto others in the same way that they were shown. Witnessing at its best.
Encourage your child to have a generous heart. Help them to be a light in this world.