Thankful Hearts Care
My husband, Scott, speaks “automotivese” fluently. I do not. Actually I’m practically illiterate when it comes to motor vehicles. I can pump gas, add washer fluid, and maybe oil but past that I leave it up to the professionals or my sweet husband.
Scott recently ordered new tires for my car. I didn’t know the existing tires were really that bad. For his willingness to take care of my ride I am so thankful. His actions show me how much he cares.
How do you show others you care? Assisting others both inside and outside of our homes should be a 24/7 prospect. With the emphasis on Thanksgiving this month, it’s a great time of year to focus on caring and being thankful. One way to model these lessons for children is by showing concern for others.
An organization my family has supported over the years is Operation Christmas Child. When the boys were little, we would shop together to find just the right gifts to fill shoeboxes with Christmas gifts for needy children. After a few years, the kids became pretty good at determining what would fit into the boxes. (They learned that while a bike may be a useful gift, it is much too big for a shoebox!) Toothbrushes, pencils, socks, and other necessities were practical gifts to add in with small toys and books.
Making special Christmas cards was part of the caring project too. Handmade cards were a gift from the heart, a message of God’s love from one child to another. The boys knew they each would receive many presents for Christmas from Mom and Dad, grandparents, and others but the recipients of the shoeboxes we packed may be given only one gift, the shoebox.
It’s good for children help others in need. While giving to those less fortunate, children develop a thankful heart. Gratitude, kindness, compassion; all traits we desire in our children and ourselves.
If you’re interested in participating in Operation Christmas Child, click here for the details.
Don’t look out only for your own interests,
but take an interest in others, too.
Philippians 2:4 NLT
© 2013 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.
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Photo by Kari Shea on Unsplash