If you are reading along with In This House, We Will Giggle – the month of December is focused on Generosity. So you have the entire month to focus on this virtue. To share with your family that it’s all about “giving not getting.”
Here is the virtue card that you can download, print or frame. It has the memory definition and memory verse right here for you!
I found the perfect video for us. PLEASE WATCH. Even if you know exactly what it is, just refresh your memory and imagine your children. If you know this song by heart already, we might be soul mates.
Oh how I relate to Veruca. I want it now!
She makes me feel so uncomfortable, because I don’t want to be like her ever. And I DEFINITELY don’t my kids to be little Verucas.
She’s an extreme of example of what is happening all around us. In my home and maybe yours.
For me, it can be as subtle as all the “upgrades” I keep asking for – kitchen, car, shoes, sunglasses, etc. etc. etc.
My husband has candidly shared my constant “wants” make him feel that “it’s never enough.”
What a crummy way to feel as the provider and it makes me think about how similar my Heavenly Father must feel when I act like Veruca. I am not even done with stewarding the current blessing and I’m demanding the next “want.” Ouchers.
You see I have a HUGE heart for generosity, I sure do. I also have a huge heart for rewarding myself – way too often. I could GIVE even more and SAVE way more for our family, if I practiced more self-control in this area.
Not being harsh – just way honest.
My little Veruca Darlings
My kids are dolls. They really are super thoughtful and generous girls.
But they have veruca moments too.
Just tonight at the Lego store, they couldn’t possibly fathom walking out empty-handed. I was so proud of myself for saying the rare “NO.” In the spirit of generosity, fun and love – I say “YES” too often and feed the Veruca in them.
Do you do Santa? Elf? St. Nick? Jesus?
Whether you or all Santa, all elf-on-the-shelf, some-santa and mostly Jesus, some St. Nick and some elf and all Jesus – it really doesn’t matter. My friend reminded me tonight we can over think it. Our kids aren’t as complicated as we are. I just keep reminding myself that this time of year is about pointing my kids to their Savior – celebrating His birth and enjoying each other as a family. We have many traditions and joyful times together. Exactly how we do that doesn’t actually need to be debated or obsessed about it.
I also know this, most kids on the planet earth like presents. And are 100% confirmed HUMAN if they ask you for something!
Don’t get mad at them, just remind them that you have got it. “No need to worry of obsess on what you are getting, Mom and Dad have got it! Let’s turn our hearts and attention to what we are giving!”
My very favorite Christmas EVER was when my heart was off of me and on others. When I stopped worrying about what I was getting and started falling in love with the giving. Our kids can experience this same mindset shift. We can invite them into the thrill of generosity – the way Jesus did it.
No matter what we have – money (lot or little), toys, love, baked goods, time, etc. – we can give in a way and shows His love.
We don’t have to STRESS about how often or how much.
Don’t lecture – use Light ‘Em Up or another fun way to make it an adventure. Set playdates, praise them and include their friends!
You can do it!
We are having our family meeting tomorrow night and I can’t wait to get their ideas. I will show them this Veruca video as some un-inspiration. 🙂
You can do it guys. I am praying for the lives your families are going to touch with your generosity around this WORLD!
Let’s Be Unnatural