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Simply Intentional: Wrapping Up Your Values!By Beth Norman
"Well, here come the holidays"! Are you excited to embrace the fast approaching holiday season with a child-like anticipation and joy? Or, does the mere thought provoke a familiar sense of panic, stress or anxiety? Or, somehow do you begin the holiday season with readiness and excitement but then quickly find yourself in a scattered rush of over-extending yourself?
Come on, what's not to love? It's truly a magical time of year that begins with the change of seasons as the lush green trees shed their leaves and wow us with a brilliant performance of glorious color, proving that even in death there is beauty! It seems that all of our senses are reawakened to the sounds of caroling and holiday songs that inspire the soul. The aroma of cinnamony cider, pine or a turkey dinner ignites our sense of smell which serves as a switch that can transport us back in time of cherished memories. The tasty sweets that somehow manage to lure us into that pledge of saying, "just one" or "just one more!" The touch of beautifully wrapped gifts and hugs from our loved ones as we sit near the warmth of a crackling fire with twinkling lights all aglow. Ahhh... are you with me?
My desire to experience the holidays in this fashion can easily be overshadowed and wind up turning into this kind of self-talk: "Just how in the world did I gain five pounds in one month?" (Okay, fine, seven!) "Did I buy enough or too much for my kids again this year?" "I'm so exhausted - how am I ever going to pull off this dinner?" And, "Why did I agree to host this year's family get together?" "Did my kids miss the real meaning of the holidays - AGAIN?" "How did that happen?" "Well, I suppose there's always next year, just let me get through this one..." and then, before you know it, its "Happy New Year!" "Time to make new (but really, SAME) year resolutions. Take off the weight, learn to be a better cook, be more organized, be more financially responsible, do better at instilling values in my kids." And thus the cycle begins and continues! I don't know about you, but I have definitely been there!
Join me in making this holiday season SIMPLY INTENTIONAL! For me, a well thought out plan includes a definite decision, determined priority and a commitment to not be deterred by my past record. Taking notice of my own values has helped me to identify one of the most important values that I would like to instill in my kids this holiday season and that is the value (gift) of giving.
What A Great Idea!
Through our local Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, I have learned that a single $20 donation will buy one family a complete holiday meal with all of its trimmings! So this year, while each one of my own four kids are enjoying the sights, smells and tastes of their festive holiday meal, they will know that their gift of $20 was responsible for supplying an entire holiday meal for a family in need!
For my younger children, they have already begun saving. They're earning money by doing small jobs around the house such as disinfecting all the doorknobs, (perfect for flu season) or by organizing the silverware drawer, watering plants, car washing, window cleaning and babysitting. Soon, it'll be time to visit the pantry where we will see first hand how our gift will be used for good.
I am delighted to see my children take advantage of an opportunity to work, earn, sacrifice and give happily. Not only does this bring my family together for such a worthy cause but also they get to experience the joy in making a difference in the life of another. As a parent, I know that this deposit goes straight into the CB account (character building).
This will be our stepping-stone into the holiday season this year. The joys of receiving will be triumphed by the act of giving and I'm excited to tie it all up in a bow
To learn more about how you can help Loaves & Fishes or to partake in this incredible opportunity for you and your family, go to loaves-fishes.org.
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