It started out as any other day; breakfast, dishes, cartoons. It wasn't long, before we decided it was a good idea to do our Christmas cleanup. This is completely changing our family tradition, as we usually wait until after the New Year. I just thought it would be nice to start 2012 off with a freshly cleaned home. Plus, it would be great to have help hauling all the Christmas decorations back up into the attic. What began with a simple Christmas "tear-down" quickly turned into a "clean your room, reduce your clutter, empty your junk drawer, go through your closet" kind of day. It was a beautiful sight for a Mother to see. Everyone was participating...except for the little ones of course. They were peacefully playing on the floor with their new Cinderella castle.
Mike and I were talking, when he came up with the most brilliant idea. He thought the children should come up with 5 old toys they don't play with any more to donate to Goodwill. I thought that was simply genius! Especially since the children had been so blessed at Christmastime! It would be a wonderful opportunity for them to "give back". So we called a family meeting and Mike explained to the children what he wanted them to do. I fully expected moans and groans along with all types of resistance; not one negative word came from their lips. In fact, they were eager to pick out their toys. It did take some time for them to filter through their goods, but they all made wonderful choices that would make any child happy. What amazed me the most, is what started out with choosing 5 things quickly turned into 10 and then 15 and then 20 things. Before it was all over, we had 5 big bags full of things to donate. Of course, I did help them go through clothes to see what could be passed down and what could be donated, but as far as toys, books and art supplies; they did that all on their own. It's not everyday that we get the opportunity to help someone in a big way. However, everyday presents us with a chance to help someone in smaller ways. It can be as simple as holding the door for someone; thanking a cashier for her help or sharing a sincere smile.
While choosing 5 favorite toys to donate may be small potatoes to some, it was HUGE for my children. Sharing God's love comes in all shapes and sizes...and THAT'S what I want them to take from this. God will always present us with opportunities to help others. We just have to look.
Mike and I were talking, when he came up with the most brilliant idea. He thought the children should come up with 5 old toys they don't play with any more to donate to Goodwill. I thought that was simply genius! Especially since the children had been so blessed at Christmastime! It would be a wonderful opportunity for them to "give back". So we called a family meeting and Mike explained to the children what he wanted them to do. I fully expected moans and groans along with all types of resistance; not one negative word came from their lips. In fact, they were eager to pick out their toys. It did take some time for them to filter through their goods, but they all made wonderful choices that would make any child happy. What amazed me the most, is what started out with choosing 5 things quickly turned into 10 and then 15 and then 20 things. Before it was all over, we had 5 big bags full of things to donate. Of course, I did help them go through clothes to see what could be passed down and what could be donated, but as far as toys, books and art supplies; they did that all on their own. It's not everyday that we get the opportunity to help someone in a big way. However, everyday presents us with a chance to help someone in smaller ways. It can be as simple as holding the door for someone; thanking a cashier for her help or sharing a sincere smile.
While choosing 5 favorite toys to donate may be small potatoes to some, it was HUGE for my children. Sharing God's love comes in all shapes and sizes...and THAT'S what I want them to take from this. God will always present us with opportunities to help others. We just have to look.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others
Philippians 2:4
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