Dollar Store Compassion: Teaching Children to Help Others

I’m not bragging about what my family and I do to try and help those in need.  In fact, I’m downright uncomfortable writing this post for this reason:

I admit to having chosen unnecessary comforts in my life many times over the basic needs of others.  But when Bear was born, so was my need to have a service-oriented heart.  I couldn’t imagine not being able to feed, diaper, or clothe him.  That thought dug deep inside of me, giving birth in me, the heart of a Servant of God.  As he’s gotten older, I’m doing all I can to foster this same calling in him.  I shared a few ways we do this in the Moms With a Mission Series at Cheap Crafty Mama.

Part of fostering a sense of servitude in my children is by doing projects as a family that make us sacrifice.  The items pictured below (same as above) were all purchased at the dollar store for a total of $30.  This was done instead of a family pizza night.

Another way is by serving others myself and sharing with them what the experience has taught me with my family.  Last week, I volunteered for a few hours with some friends from church at a food bank in my old hometown.  I walked in feeling a bit awkward and walked out feeling more moved to serve a cause then I have in a long time…quite possibly ever.

 

 And the King will say, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me.”

-Matthew 25:40