A simple thing

I was so encouraged last month by Shonni and her family at http://nationsaroundourtable.blogspot.com/. They decided to eat beans and rice every day for dinner and then to give the money that they had saved on groceries towards another family's adoption (and this is while they are in the midst of adopting their own precious little guy!).



I talked to our children about this. They were definitely all for it, especially when they heard (from Katie's blog) that for 44 cents (the cost of a stamp), a child in Africa can eat 3 helathy meals! We decided to modify it a bit and just eat a simple diet at all meals (e.g. beans and rice, oatmeal, etc.) because I was afraid that I might make up for the beans and rice meals at the other meals and we wouldn't save any money at all! LOL! We are making exceptions for our Saturday Sabbath celebration and for Grace's birthday (coming up in less than 2 weeks!). At the end of the month, the children will be able to help decide where the money should go.



So, why do I mention all of this here? Isn't a fast (of any sort) supposed to be private? In general, I do think that this is the case. But, honestly, I would never have thought of it on my own. I'm so glad that Shonni shared what they are doing, because it is a practical way for our children to give of themselves for the sake of another. Sure, we could give without involving our children. But, we want them to embrace a life of giving from the time of their youth. We want them to embrace a lifestyle of giving, so that their lives can be a blessing to others. They must, therefore, be involved in giving themselves away now.



It is such a simple thing (truly, it is not that big of a deal and it is not that hard to do). But, it is a big deal to the family in Africa who gets to eat a healthy meal, or to the family in the U.S. who gets that much closer to the adoption of their precious son or daughter, or to the sweet little cherub in China who is able to have a much-needed surgery. And it's important that our children have a chance to share in that! Giving is so much fun! I want them to know that. I also want them to know that if they have much, much will be expected of them. May they learn to hold loosely to every material thing that God has given them. May they desire to use all things to His glory!



Thanks so much, Shonni, for your encouragement. And thank you for spurring our family on to give more of ourselves.



And, by the way, it turns out that my children LOVE plain beans and rice (I've always known that they love beans and rice in burritos!). They keep saying that they are SO GLAD that we are doing this (tastebuds and all!). Now, if I could just learn to like oatmeal...!