Well, let me just say it has been a crazy week already! I can’t believe its just Wednesday. I felt like after Monday it should have been the weekend again. Can anyone relate to me this week? I spent all day yesterday with two crazy snotty nosed, whiny kiddos and it was exhausting. So last night my family started our “Thanksgiving Tree” at dinner. We went around the table and each said something that we were thankful for and wrote it on a leaf and hung it on our tree. After having such a long day at home with my kiddos I was very thankful that my husband was able to come home early! It was quite a relief and it meant so much to me that he was able to give of his time to help me out. It was such a simple thing, but it meant so much to me after the day I had. When I was on facebook last night I came across, through a friends link, an amazing challenge that I was inspired to partake in and would love to have each of you join with me in if you are up for it. It’s called the 30-Day Giving Challenge. The giving of my time, talents and treasures is something that I try to do, but I often get caught up in my own day (such as whiny and snotty children) and things I have going on and miss the simple opportunity to make others feel loved. This is a easy way to challenge myself to consciously give in some way whether it be money, time, skills or possessions and to do it for the glory of God.
Here’s the great thing, it doesn’t have to be anything crazy, its just being intentional and thinking of others before we think of ourselves. It could be as simple as a phone call to an old friend or to a relative, or making your neighbors brownies (or even buying brownies and taking them to a neighbor), or giving of your time to a friend who needs to talk or to your spouse who needs to talk. But I also challenge you to get your family in on it with you. Sit down with your kids and discuss what ways you can give to our friends and neighbors. They even have a calendar you can download and plan ahead in what ways you are going to give each day. And you can check it out on facebook where each day people are posting the ways they are giving to encourage each other and share ideas. This is a wonderful way to start the holiday season and I would love if you joined me in our giving and thanksgiving this month. They go hand in hand and I am excited to see how the Lord will use this in my families life this month. Just as I know it meant so much to me today when my husband was able to give me an extra hour of his day by coming home early, I hope that my family can be a blessing to those around use too. Use this link for a great list of ideas of ways to give.
If you want to join me in this challenge leave a comment and let me know. Each week I will post about how my family has been giving! We would love to have you share with us how you are giving as well. I look forward to this fun challenge! Let’s get started!
