I am really proud of my two boys for taking part in the 40 hour famine this year. "Son of Mandrake" who is nearly 9, did the 20 hour fast, and "Mandrake Jr" who is 6 years old, ate only rice and water and slept in a cardboard box. Together they raise over $200 for World Vision and I know that they have learnt lots!
I have always wanted my children to grow up with an awareness of poverty in other nations, and learn to be grateful for what they have... but not only that, be generous with what they have and give to others in need. I remember hearing of a celebrity mother who used to put pictures of starving children on the walls of the family dining room, in an effort to remind her children of those in need... sounds extreme, but there have been times when my children have been grizzling about their dinner that I have honestly considered doing it myself.
It is so easy to start to complain with the rising petrol prices and food prices... I mean, come on, how can a pound of butter be $4 and a litre of gas be $2! Now a days our $10 family outing is just a drive down the road and back! But serously, we have so much to be thankful for! I remember hearing this quote once, and I have never forgotten it... "If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and some loose change someplace… you are among the top 8% of the worlds most wealthy."
Lets practise gratefulness and generousity in our life and model it for our children - just as Jesus did!
I have always wanted my children to grow up with an awareness of poverty in other nations, and learn to be grateful for what they have... but not only that, be generous with what they have and give to others in need. I remember hearing of a celebrity mother who used to put pictures of starving children on the walls of the family dining room, in an effort to remind her children of those in need... sounds extreme, but there have been times when my children have been grizzling about their dinner that I have honestly considered doing it myself.
It is so easy to start to complain with the rising petrol prices and food prices... I mean, come on, how can a pound of butter be $4 and a litre of gas be $2! Now a days our $10 family outing is just a drive down the road and back! But serously, we have so much to be thankful for! I remember hearing this quote once, and I have never forgotten it... "If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and some loose change someplace… you are among the top 8% of the worlds most wealthy."
Lets practise gratefulness and generousity in our life and model it for our children - just as Jesus did!
