Don't forget the small stuff!

When trying to help our children learn the value of serving others, I think we all tend to look at the big service projects, thinking that we need to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and care for the sick. Of course we do! But don't forget that the little stuff counts too. You are probably helping your children learn about service more than you think. Family chores are self-help, but also service oriented. Caring for a neighbor's pet while they are away, bringing in the groceries from the car, running downstairs for a jar of tomatoes and sharing a favorite toy are all baby steps, but legitimate forms of service. So, let's not be too hard on ourselves. Our kids are learning each day. And in the long run, perhaps those day to day projects will end up being the biggest shapers of character after all.