Actions Speak Louder Than Words
As the holiday season starts, there’s no better time of the year to show your community the love of God! 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us but there is no better medicine to heal the soul than doing some good for your community or neighbor. Sharing God’s love by serving others is an action that speaks louder than words. Get your children active in the community, and make a difference in someone’s life this holiday season. Here are few ideas to get out and started while keeping you safe and healthy:
Ask Them For Input
First things first, show your children that you value their input. Are there any individuals, causes, or organizations that they’re passionate about helping? Maybe they’ve noticed that the widow across the street lives alone and they’d like to design a greeting card for her letting her know that you are thinking of her, or maybe help with her yard.
Love the Earth
Ask your children to think about the many ways that we as humans need the Earth. Then, ask them about how the millions of other plants and animals on the planet need it as well! Start a conversation about how we, as followers of Christ, can take better care of our planet. You can garden together, create a compost bin, or go to the beach and clean up trash on the shore.
Start In Your Own Backyard
Many times, we feel like we can’t make a difference unless we’re able to travel across the world or donate resources to a faraway country. Remind your child that they have the power to make a difference in the lives of people right down the road! Call your parish or church and ask if they know of anyone in need of any kind of assistance. Perhaps there’s an elderly church member who can’t mow their lawn or a single parent who would greatly benefit from you running some errands or donating an afternoon of free babysitting.
Host a Virtual Service Party
Research local service groups, and invite your friends and other families to a virtual service party where you can discuss how you together can make an even bigger impact! Your children can write thank-you notes to local firemen, policemen, or soldiers and thank them for their service. You could also look into collecting items for the homeless shelters, food to an animal shelter, or decorating bags for Meals on Wheels.
Share Some Extra Love With Seniors
The holiday season is the perfect time to make someone’s day extra special. Whether it’s inviting your elderly neighbors over for Thanksgiving dinner or putting on a show at your local senior center, you and your children can show how much you care. After you’ve finished serving the community, sit down with children and ask them who they impacted with their actions and how they shared the love of God. Get them to think outside the box! Explain to them that no matter how young or old you are, you have the power to make a difference in the world. At private schools in Polk County, we foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline.