Whenever we do any acts of service, we always involve our children. We’ve always taught them that by serving those around us, we are really serving our Savior as we help Him serve our brothers and sisters. I know this principle has been ingrained but sometimes you wonder if they are really ‘getting’ it.
This past weekend we found out Emma’s primary teacher had just moved to an apartment by herself while she waits for her husband’s immigrant visa to go through. She was previously living with a roommate who had their apartment pretty decked out and live-able. Basically she is now living in a two-bedroom apartment with only a box spring and mattress as her only furniture. Chris and I came home from church and quickly started to realize how many things we really don’t use and could pass on to her. Before much time had passed, we had some pieces of furniture and a box load of dishes, cookware, and miscellaneous items set aside by the front door.
We let the kids in on what we were doing and they became very excited. We called our friend to see if we could stop by with some housewarming items and we were off. The kids had a tour of the apartment while Chris and I brought in the furniture and box. It was great to see how excited she was. But, the real heart-warming experience for me happened when we were all getting back into the two cars we had driven over.
Emma came up next to me and said, “You know, Mom . . . it makes me feel so happy to give someone things when you know they really need them.” I think seeing the empty apartment and how we were able to start filling it up make a big impression on her. I hope that feeling stays with her for a long time.
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