I Found What I Want to Do the Rest of My Life
As a mom, I’ve always wanted to teach my kids how to embrace Biblical characteristics like generosity, loving others, etc. Maybe you can relate and you’re wondering, like I did, how to do it.
My friend Courtney DeFeo has done an amazing job of not just telling her kids about these things, but showing them.
I think you’ll love her guest post today. And be sure to take a few minutes to watch the video. I promise, it will make you smile and tear up all at the same time. Excuse me while I go get a tissue. Here’s Courtney…
I am 38 and I have just discovered what I want to do with the rest of my life.
It’s to show heartfelt appreciation for others in a way that shows them the love of God.
And for the next 10-12 years of my life, I intend to show my two girls how to do this while they are under my roof.
I believe our kids learn more through laughter, not lectures. They want to experience WHO we know not just WHAT we know.
This is exactly how my mom taught me about virtues. She showed us. She wasn’t perfect – and I am so thankful for her authenticity and mistakes. Those very moments taught me forgiveness and unconditional love and gave me the freedom to be the same imperfect person covered in God’s grace.
Just the other night, our family had a chance to go surprise Miss Curlie at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World. She’s one special cast member who has been working there 41 years with 25 years of perfect attendance.
She had no idea that her love to my kids left a mark on ME! I was simply trying to SHOW my kids what gratitude felt like, and I was in turn blessed by this woman. She has cleaned the bathroom on Main Street for all these years and I didn’t want to assume someone else was thanking her.
As God’s children, I want our family to be courageous and generous with our kindness. The first to step up and out of our comfort zone.
When we do that, we just never know what hangs in the balance of our obedience.
Watch this video below and read the full story here – you’ll see. Of all the thousands of employees, God knew Miss Curlie needed a simple “Thank You.”
(If you’re viewing this post in an email, click here to watch the video.)
My girls respond so much better to my virtuous parenting attempts when I am not lecturing them on how to shape up or ship out. Instead, I am inspiring them to be more like Jesus. Because it actually feels good to serve! It feels great to give!
And when I invite them into these opportunities, I see their hearts swell. Everyone likes to be involved with something bigger than themselves.
I am taking an army of moms through 2015, one virtue at a time, with my new book, In This House, We Will Giggle. It’s got 12 virtues and 12 family fun activities. We will go slow and focus on one virtue each month. We will never be perfect but we will giggle.
Today, I’m giving away 10 copies of my book to randomly chosen commenters! Just leave a comment telling me one thing you’ve been teaching your kids lately to be entered to win.
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