The kids and I have a long drive home from their school in the afternoon. Because of the lake we live on, we actually have to drive through part of North Carolina to get to their school or our home in Virginia. We have plenty of time to talk so I always ask about their days and discuss what homework will need to be done.
Yesterday, we had an interesting conversation about Christmas music, Justin Bieber, and giving. I was really in the holiday mood yesterday. I transferred all of my Christmas music to my new laptop (which I’ve had for a year already) and also loaded it onto my iPod because I can easily sync it with our vehicles. So we were listening to Christmas music on the way home from school.
“The Little Drummer Boy” came on and the kids started talking about the Justin Bieber version of the song. Then they started talking about Justin Bieber. Their thoughts are that he has gone crazy, that most people don’t respect him anymore, and that his mother is not proud of how he has acted. She would probably tell him to go to his room. I’m taking all of this in and not commenting. I am glad they recognize inappropriate behavior and don’t think it’s the cool thing to do.
Next, Andrew mentions how much money Justin Bieber has. “If I had that much money, I would buy a house just like we have. I would buy appliances like we have. I would have two cats (which he is highly allergic to) and two dogs, and a butler, but then I would just give the rest of it away.”
Carmen’s response was: “I would buy the things I really needed and then I would use the rest of the money just to help people.”
Wow.
They are thinking about how to use millions of dollars and they want to give most of it away. Needless to say, I was very proud of their responses. We live in a culture that is often very concerned with material things. We’re even talking about Christmas, which would usually prompt the discussion of what they would want for Christmas, and they want to give away millions if they had the chance.
I don’t think I would be so self-less. If I had so much money, sure I would give some away, but I would I would probably take care of myself first. I already have a mental list of things I could do: replacing the flooring in the house, getting different furniture, hiring a painter rather than having to paint myself (I bought paint for our all white house in September and have yet to open a can). These things aren’t necessities by any means. How much do I really think about providing for the needs of others?
Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Jesus demonstrated a special affection for children. Their wisdom is often unmarred by the world’s demands. I want to be known by my love for others. Andrew and Carmen are already choosing that path, and I hope the desire to help others continues to grow in them. The best way I can foster that growth is to model a love for others that they can experience.
I would love to hear your ideas for fostering a love for others within your kids. What activities do you do? Do you do anything on a regular basis or do you do one-time events?
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