I think I'm raising spoiled and ungrateful children. It's not that we don't teach them to be appreciative, say "please" and "thank you", or to value people more than things. Because we do. But somewhere along the way we've lost sight of how blessed we really are.
I shouldn't be so harsh on myself, or them. Actually my boys are quite loving and thoughtful. But in an effort for my husband and I to give them a comfortable life, we've let them come the expect a certain standard of living without seeing that they are FAR better off than so many other people on this planet, and even in our own community.
A few years ago my hubby and I would take the kids to a local soup kitchen to volunteer. Even though they were only 11 & 4 years old, they took pride in the work they did. Tyler would gather plates from the dining room and wash dirty pots and pans in their tiny dish area. Bryson would bring plates of food out to the patrons, who gladly received them from his cheery little hands.
It made me so proud that we could experience this together as a family. The kids actually liked helping, and we all felt a sense of pride and love each Sunday after the lunch shift.
Since having my third son I have to admit we've only been back a few times to drop off food. The kitchen manager remembered us, and told me he'd love to see us back there soon.
I miss that feeling of giving.
There are few things in life that can fill up our heart and soul more than helping someone in need, and not expecting anything in return.
But I recognize I've been lax in continuing that sense of gratitude and selfless giving with my own children.
This holiday season I've made a vow to myself, and my kids, to GIVE more. It could be time, money, or a small token of kindness. I don't want us to take all that we have for granted. We are fortunate.
Giving does not have to be about grand gestures. Sometimes the simplest acts of kindness can make you feel like the richest person in the world.
So starting this Friday my family and I will choose one act of kindness to give to others. We're calling it Granolaville's 12 Days of Giving.
Like I said they don't have to be HUGE expenses, just thoughtful gestures that may brighten someone's day.
These ideas aren't limited to the holiday season, but here are some ways we can "give back" to our community.
1. Pay the toll for 5 people behind you in line.
2. Volunteer at a soup kitchen.
3. Shovel a neighbor's driveway before they leave for work.
4. Start up a collection of gas cards or gift cards to give to a local shelter.
5. Sponsor the adoption fees for a family who adopts and animal on Christmas.
6. Give your kids money for Christmas and let them choose which charity they'd like to donate it to.
7. Make personal hygiene stockings for a homeless shelter. You can go to any dollar store and find inexpensive items including gloves, hats and scarves. Include a hand written note from your family.
8. Help out a single mom (or dad) by providing them childcare while they shop for gifts or offer to help tidy up the home of a family with a newborn.
9. Make handmade or natural gifts for family and friends.
10. Transport a neighbor who can’t drive.
11. Write a thank-you note to a mentor or someone who has influenced your life in a positive way.
12. Visit hospitals with smiles, treats, caroling or friendly conversation for patients.
Got any ideas for Granolaville's 12 Days of Giving? Do you do something similar with your family? Leave your comment below.
Happy Holiday's from Granolaville,
1 comments:
People have been donating unwrapped gifts including toys for those who have lost everything by superstorm Sandy and feed them at a nearby area like a church or a social area. A few shows like Ellen, The Talk, The View and the Today show have been doing they're part too.
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