Teaching Kids to Make Someone’s Day by Being Generous

photo by chrisB in Sea

It’s not uncommon for me to head to Signs of Life, my favorite coffee shop, on Mondays to do some work.  I love the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the quiet atmosphere, and the comfortable couches.  Most of all, though, I love being able to enjoy a white chocolate mocha (double shot of espresso, light on the syrup) while I work.  Days when I splurge on a specialty drink are always good days!

Due to a change in employment in our family in the past year, white chocolate mochas have truly become “specialty” drinks since I can get my caffeine fix in less expensive ways.  These days, I rarely order anything besides a cup of coffee.

A couple months ago, I needed to get some computer work and reading done, so I packed up my things and headed downtown.  As I walked into Signs of Life, my friend, Glen, was placing his order.  I overheard the barista ask, “Can I get you anything else?”  Glen’s response was evidence of his generosity.  “Just a minute.  Let me see if Carolyn wants anything.”  Then, he turned to me and asked me if he could buy me a drink – anything I wanted.  He made my day!

This month in Discovery Unlimited, we’re focusing on generosity – making someone’s day by giving something away.  A spirit of generosity is reflective of the heart of God, who gave us the best gift ever when He gave us His son.  Not only has He given us the most amazing gift ever, but He has also blessed us in a zillion other ways, big and small.

photo by Hidden Peanuts

We tend to think we have to give big gifts to be generous, but we don’t.  Generosity can be found in a cup of coffee for a friend, a quarter in the Salvation Army bucket, a box of pasta for your church’s food drive, a hot meal for a struggling family, a Christmas carol in a nursing home, a phone call to someone who’s lonely, or a bag of hand-me-down clothes for the next door neighbor’s son.

As the impact of our struggling economy hits your family, I encourage you to choose to make it a priority to teach your children to be generous with what they have–even if it’s not a lot.  Sharing what we have, regardless of how big or small, reflects the character of God and is a virtue that will allow us to bless others throughout our lives.

“Be rich in good deeds … be generous and willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:18, NIV

LKT readers would love to hear from you.  What are some ways you have tried to instill generosity in your children?