Do Unto Others

This week before the rush of the holidays begins, I am purposing to focusing on serving others with my children.  It's important that our children see us serving, that they know how to find ways to serve and that they participate with us as often as possible.

We will start out with some simple letter writing and cards.  I want my children to carry on the act of a written letter or a card to send wishes to a friend or loved one.  In today's culture of email and text messages, a written note is a lost and dying art.  Tomorrow's schoolwork will consist primarily of writing notes and cards to cousins and other family members who are far away.  I have photos set aside to include with these letters as well.  We also have a card signed for George, the retired Marine we heard about last week who is in need of some encouragement, and another for Tabetha, a friend at Morning Grace who is recovering from major surgery.  Of course I set the example for them today, writing thank you notes that were overdue and a long letter to Amber's birth mom.  Lastly we will begin to work on cards and pictures to put in Grandaddy's care package going to Cuba later this month.

I try to encourage my children to use their talents to serve the Lord and others whenever possible.  Serving others should be a joy, not an obligation, and what better way to serve with joy than by doing something you love and have a talent for!  This Tuesday, I will use my talent and their eagerness to learn about baking to benefit the Charlotte Rescue Mission.  All day Tuesday we plan to make baked goods for CRM to serve during their Thanksgiving meal on Thursday.  Wednesday we will deliver the baked goods and then head home to cook up our own contributions to the Thanksgiving meal we will be attending at Aunt Jen and Uncle Mike's house. 

What can you do to serve someone this Thanksgiving holiday?  What talents and interests do you have that can be used in an act of service to others?  Leave a comment and let me know what you are doing to serve someone this Thanksgiving.