Giving

To me, it is one of life's great ironies... When you give, you get more than what you gave.

Today our family (all 16 of us) went to downtown to feed the hungry.  We made sandwiches, chips, apples, and water.  The kids decorated bags and packed them.  We handed them out.  It just felt good.  (57)

Even the 2 year old got it.  As we're driving away from the experience, our conversation went like this...

C- "We gave man our lunch."

Us- "Yes, C.  He didn't have any food for lunch and we did so we gave him some to eat."

C- "Yeah.  We share lunch."

Oh my gosh, it hardly gets sweeter than a conversation like that!  I have to admit that I wasn't thinking that he was going to get it.  But on his own level, he did.  I can't express the happiness I felt knowing that he felt good helping someone out.  (58)

We may have given those people some meals, but we walked away with SO much more.  I feel so grateful for the lesson and experience that they gave our family.  It's important to us that we raise our boys knowing that there are needs and wanting to fill them.  Holidays are so fun and I love the traditions that go along with them, but I want them to get more than just the receiving end of the holidays.  I want them to get giving.  I also really want to give them experiences and I can't wait to turn something like this into a tradition.

Before going, we read a story about our favorite role model. (59)  Especially when it comes to giving.  We read a story to all of the kids (and adults) from Luke 17 where Jesus heals some men with Leprosy.  It's a good read if you're wondering.

If the Bible isn't your favorite read then know that giving isn't just in the Bible.  I know that Christian people aren't the only ones who can be good at giving!  I also read in Good Housekeeping Magazine this week that giving is a good habit of people who are happy.  I have to agree!

If you have given or are giving please let me know, let our hearts sing together!