So incorporating GRACIOUS GIVING into life can be difficult, but sometimes I make things a wee bit harder than they really are.
Case in point- As soon as I started seeking out fun volunteer ideas for my family, I came across this cool non-profit organization that helps keep local rivers clean. We love the outdoors. We love water. A whole family activity? This could be good.
One of the activities this organization does is Adopt-A-Stream where you go out with a group of people and participate in a river clean-up. So I called to see what our family could do and the volunteer coordinator called me back, but by the time he called back, we were out of town. So I called again, and again my phone call was returned, but at that time, the coordinator didn’t need volunteers. Bummer. A couple weeks later, the coordinator called again, but the time he had in mind for us to volunteer wasn’t going to work. Do you see where this is going? Um, yes nowhere. I was disappointed. The whole idea sounded like a worthy cause and fun.
Then, oh yeah, I realized, our family probably didn’t need a group of people to hike around the river with in order to do a clean-up. I mean couldn’t we just grab some garbage bags and have our own little clean-up? Yes, yes, good idea and so we did.
Our family is working on giving. Today we cleaned up the park. We found bottle caps, plastic cups, and all kinds of things. We did this so people don’t slip on trash, and fall down, and we don’t want this to hurt plants or animals. You can pick up trash at parks. It is easy. Love, Amelia
Not a lot of time, very little planning, outside activity, family fun. Nice. Plus, you can thank us for picking up that plastic cup, so the next time you are at the park you "don't slip on trash and fall down".
What are some of the easy and informal ways your family GIVES to others?
16 comments:
That is awesome! I wish I had thought to have my daughter write about their experiences with giving service. I will say that the most treasured memory was when my mother came to town. She bought two boxes of groceries for a family in dire need. We all piled in the car, parked across the street and out of sight. The girls, my mother and I carried the boxes to the neighbors door step. Then, while the slowest of us ran back to the car - my little speed demon - my youngest daughter and elementary school track star - waited behind. When we were safely out of sight, she rang the doorbell and sprinted back to the car. She flew into the now-wide-open back door, crumbling onto the floor laughing, gasping for air. We shut the door and sat in the dark to watch the look on the father's face when he opened the door and surveyed the contents.
It is so wonderful to give to others in need even when down to our last dollar. You see, we were also struggling at the time. My mother had come and stocked our kitchen with essentials. She had asked if she could set aside $20 of her help for us and provide a few things for any other needy family? In 1985 that money went pretty far.
As I said - I wish I'd thought to have my daughters write about it. I wonder how they remember that night.
Sharon,
I loved this story. I hope you do ask your daughters how they remember it...probably with even more detail than you. Kids seem to really drink it all in.
What a wonderful and brilliant idea! What a fantastic way to spend an afternoon with your family. Your kids will build stronger character and also special memories!
BTW, cool picture!
Very wonderful idea and what a great idea to have your daughter share her thoughts on your blog (even if it cost you a quarter. :)
Have a great night!!
Big Fat Mama
Kudos to Amelia, and tell her she deserves more than a quarter for her story...at least 2 quarters! Her part was brilliant!
As always, this is a great idea, and I loved hearing about how it turned out.
Great pic, too!
I love how you have brought your daughter into sharing her thoughts with you on your blog...terrific idea!
I just love Amelia- she's such a sweetheart! And I'm like you- sometimes I feel like I have to do this big formal organized thing in order to "volunteer" and "give", when in reality most of my giving can be done in simple and small ways. Don't know why we make it so complicated :) great post!
You are so cool! What a great idea, and I love your daughter's write up.
What a wonderful message about what it takes to do good--willing mind and hands! You've inspired me.
You inspire me, Amy! What was that cartoon phrase? See a need, fill a need. And that is such an awesome gift to pass on to your girl. I love her sweet words, BTW. I love how she gets that it's all about giving.
And thank you for your kind words about my essay. That was such a surprise to win that contest. So many moving stories. What a blessing. I just love Mary, don't you?
Wat a great idea for a service project! And how awesome to have your daughter write about it.
It's such a tangible way to serve, to fill a bag with junk and then dispose of it properly. It crosses ages and genders, too. Very nice write-up, too!
i love that you love your family enough to do this... and that you love the world enough... you inspire.
That is awesome! Good for you! And thank you! ;)
Oh, this is so SWEET! Love your daughter's little write-up. Precious! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog...and for your sweet comment. Those wonderful comments totally made my day! :-) Happy Monday!
What a great idea! Good job Amy!
Hi Amy! I'm so glad you stopped my blog because now I get to see yours! I've been doing some exploring and just love it. I'll be back! I love your daughter's writing, she seems like a sweetie. Blessings!
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