I believe children are the world's best helpers. Sure, household chores may bore them, but that applies to must of us adults, anyway. Children offer their help with beaming anticipation, typically without expecting anything in return but our genuine approval. Children like to be a part of big things beyond the four corners of their room, and the busy, working parent(s) often spend what's left of their family time "entertaining" the children, making sure they are "happy" whether through TV, buying them the newest toys and gadgets or the best clothes, taking them to the coolest theme parks, etc. While these measures aren't bad per se, it is no surprise that we as parents are unknowingly creating a generation that thinks of themselves first, before others.
The truth is, the world isn't all about you! It's not about what you can get, but what you can do to serve God and others. Many people go out on a limb to search for happiness with the wrong priorities only to find themselves depressed, ending up in the wrong places, with the wrong people. As a child, I could still remember the sign posted on our door: J-O-Y = Jesus First, Others Next, Yourself Last. Pretty simple, but very easy to forget! Usually it's because we're either too far from the need to help others (out of sight, out of mind), or we see too much of it (often getting desensitized and indifferent). Sadly, our children are watching. The good news is, it's never too late to get a fresh start and create a culture of giving and serving others in need. Opportunities abound. The world needs more helpers. Ask your child to help today, you'll see.
