This year keeps on going in a different direction than we had all planned. I sometimes just shake my head and ask God, “What is coming next?” I mean, we are only six months in… is there a half time to the madness of 2020?
But, I think when we look back on this year, it will be THE year of change, a time that served as a catalyst for so many changes, especially for our children. Their generation will be different because of what they have experienced during this time, and I genuinely believe it will be for the good.
Many of the moms I talk to have ongoing concerns about their kids growing up entitled. Well, there is nothing like a year of “No’s” to help all of us parents out on that front. This year will make a dent in the “all about me” behavior we try so hard to improve in our children. Our children have witnessed, in so many ways, that the world does not revolve around them.
Our kids have seen parents lose jobs, have experienced birthdays with no parties, have been uprooted from their school and social circles, and now they are taking notice and processing that there are extreme social injustices in the world.
Our children’s generation, because of 2020, will forever be different. And as parents, we have a great privilege of walking with them through this unique time. So let’s use it well. I am excited to use the momentum quarantine created to continue to push aside entitlement, solidify unselfishness, and to take action against injustice. I want my kids to see that they don’t have to sit on the sidelines of the events around them. They can get involved and help.
My friend Laura started a “Summer of Serving” project with her family. I love that idea, and now may be the perfect time to implement it into our summer routines.
She talks to her children about the “Why” of serving, and then they brainstorm about who they can serve and how they can help. It helps her kids be more aware of the needs in their city and action steps to take charge and do something about it. So good.
I have attached a PDF to this post that you can use in your family to start your own version of a “Summer of Serving.” Just click here to access it! It includes some ideas on how you can serve your community, a practical “to-do” sheet, and gives you space to have conversations about why serving is important. It just might be the best thing we do all year.
HLLF –
