The week of Thanksgiving always brings focus to the many things, people, and blessings I am thankful for. Having kids is a constant reminder of how one of the many important qualities to teach them is genuine kindness and care for others. Surprisingly, this basic display of character can be missed and neglected, not intentionally but can get stuffed underneath the business of life "our" lives. We have a choice to be inter-sectors or by-passers. Being available for that 5 min stop in the grocery store when you meet a woman named Julie who just moved from NY and after loosing a set of twin boys and another baby they decided to adopt triplet girls who are now 6 and are being home schooled by their mom who doesn't have many friends yet and really just needed someone to "care" about what she had to say. Or maybe something as simple as seeing an elderly person struggling to get through a door and instead of rushing past, stopping and offering a helping hand. Believe it or not, I have learned a simple smile can truly change how someone feels. During this season, Nate and I try to be intentional about how we will model thanks and giving in our home and with our family. It's no secret that kids don't need any help being selfish, let's face it either do we sometimes, but what they do need is a life modeled not taught of serving and loving others maybe with a bit of sacrifice.
As I began looking into organizations we could partner with I was instantly glued into the heartache and suffering of so many and yet the beauty and hope these many non-profits and volunteers have dedicated their lives providing. As I have been crying for the last hour just thinking about the families we personally know that have either dedicated their life to a mission like Christina Bacino, who is a mouthpiece and spearhead for Not For Sale to end human trafficking or our friends Dean and Tasha Ives who have started their own foundation Love You More after loosing their daughter Sydney, which is designed to help families in the fight for the life of their ill child. In the past 6 months there have been many families we know that have lost their babies. I cannot even fathom what that would be like and my heart just aches thinking of leaving the hospital without my babies. This organization Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep provides beautiful photography, a keepsake, for the parents and family leaving a beautifully captured memory of their sweet angel.
There are thousands of organizations bringing hope and healing to our country. Like The Red Cross who is providing disaster relief and care to the many communities effected by Sandy. Or Project Angel Tree which provides toys and essentials to children over the holiday season. The Ronald McDonald House providing shelter and allowing families to be together and Light House Family Retreat serving children with cancer at a seaside retreat. I literally could go on for days. There is just so much need in our country but there are so many of us that can help. Can you believe that 1 in 6 children goes hungry in a given day in our community, that is astounding, but we can help to change that by filling our local food pantries with projects like Bag Hunger and Love Works. What foundations are you connected with or have a special place in your heart? Where is your family giving this year, or any traditions you have created with your kids to get involved helping others?
Happy Thanksgiving!
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