The Best Gift

Carlos and his precious little shopper






Alesia


Liv and Dad


The goods


Wrapping presents


Alesia and Daddy's shopper


Here they come!




Lady Elks provided breakfast.




Emilio and his cousin






My kids waiting to serve breakfast to the other kids

I know I said this last year and I will say it again. The best gift I can ever give my children through the Holidays is having them serve someone else. We just finished with Shop with a Cop and once again it was amazing!

We started out at the High school waiting for the officers and kids to come have breakfast. It was still dark outside and you could see all of the lights on the freeway heading to the High School. People driving the freeway pulled over and probably thought the whole city was under attack.

When they got to the High School my kids were asking them if they needed help getting breakfast and they were helping me hand out shoe certificates. They sang Christmas carols and then we headed to Walmart to shop.This time they went through town with their light and sirens on. Everyone rushed in and started shopping.

These kids never cease to amaze me. They only have $100 to spend and most of them want to shop for their family members as soon as they get there. That usually only leaves enough for one small gift for themselves. My husband tries to tell them that the money is for them but they still think of others.Talk about a humbling experience.

My kids have so much fun helping them pick out presents and wrap them. It makes me so proud of my children and husband when I see this. They always tell me they don't want anything, they just want to give. This year for Thanksgiving we as a family were going to volunteer at the soup kitchen. Unfortunately we had the flu and were unable to go but I was so impressed at how excited my kids were to help out. I often think about what kind of a world we would have if others gave so willingly. I am so lucky to have grown up with service all around me. My Grandparents and Mother made it a big part of my life and I am grateful for their example.

The best way I can think of showing your love of Christ through this season is to give a little of yourself and encourage your family to do the same through serving someone in need. My heart is full!