Serving Up Success

By Renee, LSWA

"The family that plays together stays together." I LOVE FUN! My family and I recently participated in an all day scavenger hunt. We had an awesome time being silly and focusing on the common goal: getting the most points so we could be the winners! How selfish of us. Well, not really. It was a game and the goal was to be the winner. But if having fun was the only thing my family focused on, I imagine that selfishness would creep in and kill the mood. As much as I love fun, it's not the only life lesson I want my children to learn.

How about the family that serves together? I believe serving others individually or with our families brings joy and a sense of purpose that I cannot even begin to describe. Our own 41st President was quoted as saying, "From now on, any definition of a successful life must include serving others." Regardless of politics, I think he got this right. Wouldn't it be cool if we could combine fun and serving? I think we can!

No matter what age you are, if your children are young or old, there are ways you can teach them the value of thinking of others needs. We are all constantly being bombarded in school, by the media, in the office or on the big screen by the mindset that "it's all about me." As parents, we can often unintentionally send this message to our kids too. As babies, the world does revolve around them, but eventually they have to learn to live as part of a family unit and in community. What better way to teach them this than to expose them to opportunities to bless other members of our communities.

Here are some simple ways to get you and your family having fun and helping others.

1. Serve a meal at a local soup kitchen.
2. Collect school supplies for a homeless shelter.
3. Walk your elderly neighbors' dog.
4. Bake cookies for the new family on the block.
5. Take a meal to a new mom.
6. Participate in Operation Christmas Child-one of my family favorites!
7. Serve at your home church in a ministry.
8. Adopt a road and do trash pick-up.
9. Read a book to a nursing home resident.
10. Send cards to our service men and women.

I could go on and on but I want to know your ideas. What do you and your family do to serve together?

Play together but don't forget to serve together. Joy and peace will abound.