Loving Others

One of my greatest desires is for my kids to be people who care… who give... who empathize… who can step outside of their comfort zone to impact their world.

Both Asher and Cora have a natural desire to be helpful. It’s so sweet to see this part of their personalities. Asher has an innate willingness to bestow gifts and surrender his own possessions. He would empty his pockets without blinking an eye. He gives and gives generously. Cora’s personality is different. Instead of being moved by material need, she sees emotional need. She notices people, observes them in a deeper way. She’ll ask me things like, “why is that person smiling, but their eyes are sad?” She is attentive to people and connects with their emotional state.  

I consider it one of my many jobs to cultivate these gifts in them. I want them to step past caring and into the realm of taking action. It’s one of those things that really can’t be taught verbally. I can’t just command them to care or instruct them to show compassion. It’s deeper than words – it’s something that needs to connect in their sweet little hearts. 

We’ve found opportunities to get them volunteering… Serving dinner at Ronald McDonald Houses, packing lunches for the homeless, buying lunch food for students in need… It’s all good stuff, but they forget so quickly. It’s not enough to drive home the long term message that to whom much is given, much is expected.

The adoption journey is obviously shaping Asher & Cora in this area, as well. To the extent that their little brains can understand, they have a more global perspective than they did before… There's a greater awareness of others' needs... They’re gaining an appreciation for the things they have… And they have an increased passion for helping people. (Of course, they're still kids and sometimes choose to throw a tantrum over sharing something... but I digress. ;))

So I’m learning that the lesson needs to be rooted in more than single, disjointed events where we serve…

-       It’s a mindset that Chad and I have to model every single day.

-       It’s a lifestyle that gives opportunity for them to see outside of our suburban bubble.

-       It’s a schedule with margin that allows us to be available to help when help is needed.

-       It’s the conversations we have and the questions we ask.

I can’t wait to see them continue to grow in their enthusiasm to connect with and care for others!

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Romans 12:10-11 (NLT) 

It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life... Use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. Galatians 5:13-15 (Message)

Have to share Cora's cute drawing of her family...
she had to keep coloring on the
backside of her house to make all 6 of us fit!

 

To date, this is still one of my favorite
worksheets that Asher has brought home...
It's from way back in Kindergarten!