There’s something about consistency.
Doing something the same day, the same way that is comforting and reassuring.
Let’s apply that principle to how we take teaching kids stewardship.
Here’s what we need to look out for:
1. What do our children feel led to do in the Kingdom of God to serve Him? Clues can be how they show compassion. Is it toward the elderly, to small children, to animals? Maybe they feel passionately about the environment that God has interested to us to be good stewards. That, too can be incorporated into a small, yet effective service project.
2. Is there something your family is already doing that could be turned into a new way to serve God? Do you always make PB and J sandwiches for lunch for your kids? How about turning that into a family or multi-family project through The Peanut Butter Plan, for example.
3. Are you in the process of decluttering your home or do you need to do so? Here’s a great 31 day decluttering challenge that helps encourage you and give your family a framework for making that happen.
Combine those activities with taking them ONE STEP FURTHER.
Our environmentally conscious kids can find an unusual recycling project to collect at church and donate the proceeds. Inkjet cartridges or old used tennis shoes…..
Making extra food for folks who don’t have any? Even if it’s two extra meals, it’s more than what they had the day before.
It’s not the size of the project— we’re just trying to focus on the consistency this month.
If we can develop a solid pattern, than this could potentially develop into a lifelong habit.
Giving our extra possessions to those who have nothing just sounds “fair” to children. Plus it exercises the Gospel principle of “To those much has been given, much is expected…..” — Luke 12:48
What projects do your family participate in on a regular basis that has impacted how your bold faith is shared?
How can we take something simple and turn it into a real life example of consistent stewardship?
When have your children exhibited compassion and initiative in giving to others?
2 Comments
You’ve got me thinking again. And wondering what my kids could do regularly. I get so caught up in their therapies and doc appointments… but even in those contexts there could be opportunity. Usually it’s me, offering a Kleenex to another mom who feels invisible. But I see my second daughter noticing needs. I’m going to sit down with her and ask what being more intentional and less reacting in the moment could look like. Such a good post, ladies!
{Kathy} All of the families in those office waiting rooms could use all kinds of things! That’s a great place to start, Laurie. Let me know if you come up with anything.