Service projects are not only a super educational
opportunity, but also a perfect venue for showing your children compassion and
love for others.
Growing a garden to improve your community, making meals for
new Moms or individuals who are not able to walk around comfortably, putting
together a bulletin board for your home church, helping with the campaign for a
local politician ... all of these are terrific opportunities for your son or
daughters to gain valuable learning experiences while also discovering the
importance of service.
I have discovered that the different service projects our
family has participated in have been invaluable to my children's homeschooling programs and
also their character development. Not only are they building basic skills like
gardening, following directions to create delicious meals, artistic ability,
organization skills ... but also compassion, love, kindness, philanthropy,
honesty, humbleness, and more.
I have witnessed happily as my youngsters brought joy to the
elderly not only by sharing their musical ability, but also by spending time
with them, sharing their experiences with them, and listening to their
anecdotes. I have really felt the flow of pride as they served the homeless
lovingly without wrinkling their noses or grumbling. I observed amazed as one
of my kids handed over the dog money she was so carefully saving to aid the
victims of Hurricane Katrina. I have treasured the consideration of my
daughter, who is constantly coming up with ways we can improve someone's day or
go the extra mile to help someone in need. And though I must admit there have
been moments when due to other commitments I have said "no" to her
suggestions, she pushes on and never tires of discovering brand-new ways to become
a help.
At times our service projects include an entire school day
and I really feel the pressure of keeping up with their academic works. Math,
English, Vocabulary, Science, Social Studies ... these can sometimes seem so
critical. But if I step back and look at the teachings they are learning
through their ministries, I cannot help but understand that not only are they
learning much more worthwhile lessons, but they are also getting a different
sort of instruction in those same subjects.
Make the effort to think outside the box, to stretch your
love to others, and to find a need that you and your family can accommodate. I
guarantee you and your kids will be blessed!
A few ideas:
Visit a retirement home to play a musical instrument or to
read to one of the residents,.
Pick up junk in your neighborhood.
Shovel snow.
Gather leaves.
Grow a garden.
Gather books to bring to the children's ward at your local
hospital.
"Adopt" a family in need and make anonymous
deliveries to their door.
Knock on the door of an elderly family and ask if you can
help with common projects such as:.
·
Mopping the floor.
·
Cleaning the screens.
·
Cutting the lawn.
·
Taking the car in for service ... the list could
go on forever.
Use the abilities the Lord has offered you to train your
kids not only in academics but also in character and service to others.
