Sleigh Bells Ring! Are You Listening?
Image by Pixabay
That’s a great song from the golden oldies days when people made songs about real stuff and not about hippopotami and stardust, and such foolishness. My husband has some bells that he used to deck out his horse with, and ride around the neighborhood, cheering neighbors and friends. Sometimes you just have to spread a little Christmas cheer.
One ministry that we donate to each year (in our granddaughters’ names) is Heifer International, a group with a multitude of giving options. You can give cows, calves, chickens, ducks, water wells, or education to a host of people in other countries who need a loving helping hand. Their missions include work and income solutions, climate and environment, food security, health, women, and inclusion. Some of their also supported programs are for beekeeping, crustaceans, dairy and eggs, fish, fruits and vegetables, small ruminants, spices, and swine.
I guess you think that’s a little out there, but it is a great way to get your children or grandchildren thinking about missions, reaching out to others, and giving instead of receiving at Christmas. There have been a number of books written that can steer a child’s mind to a “What can I give?” approach, rather than a “Gimme, gimme, gimme” mindset. Most children don’t know that they can reach other children in countries on other continents and have a feeling of satisfaction in their benevolence.
Not that we couldn’t appeal to their altruism in ministries here in the States, but sometimes, it feels more ennobling to realize you have a tie to another kid your age whose life is not as blessed and cosseted as your own. Study the information on the internet or in brochures which HI would send you and let the youngster take pride in helping someone who cannot help them back, or who even knows what they have done. Let them OWN their altruism. It’s a gift that can change someone’s life. Maybe even their own.
Have a very Merry Christmas, and I wish you a happy and benevolent New Year.
Love,
Katy
