A group of friends and I have decided to get together at least once a month to do some type of service activity and Bible Study with our children. We are realizing how we live in an affluent world and we have lots of opportunity to help and serve others - to show them God's love and encourage them. We are keeping a notebook of ideas, so feel free to share any with us!
Our local Children's Hospital has on their website ways that people can help the hospital and the patients and families being treated there. On their website, there are two lists:
~ There is a list of items needed to be donated - some purchased, some handmade. Some things mentioned were books, games, puzzles, craft kids, mobiles, age-specific toys, game systems, handmade pillows, dolls blankets, etc.
~ There is also a list of ways you can serve by volunteering your time.
And of course, we always know the importance of prayer. One of the needed items on the list was books. So we gathered our infants through third grade children and either purchased new books or found gently used books in our own homes. We made beautiful cards. We read in God's Word about loving others. We purchased a bunch of colorful balloons from the dollar store and headed to the Children's Hospital.
With our crew, the traffic to get downtown, and all the germs associated with a hospital, it would have been much easier to send one mom down to drop everything off, but we felt it was important for our children to play a part in the whole experience. So, we headed on our drive downtown, took what seemed like forever to find a parking place in the garage, and headed to the main entrance. All the while, our kids were taking in all the sights and sounds of the hospital and this part of town and seeing why prayer and encouragement is needed; learning to be thankful for the life God has given them; and realizing they have a part to play. Because of the risk of infection to patients, we were not allowed beyond the desk, but the ladies working there were so kind and thoughtful and were grateful for our donations. We left the building and found a place in the grass right in front of the building to pray for the people who work there; the children being treated there; and the families spending so much time there.
It was a huge blessing to all of us and we are so thankful for God for the opportunity.
