Reading the thread about what people want for Christmas got me thinking. Here I am complaining that I don't have new slippers, a new tv, etc. (well not complaining, but what I'd want)...and there are so many people in the world that don't even have a home, clean water, clothes on their back, etc. In church this last weekend one of our pastor's showed a video clip of adventconspiracy.org. It's a campaign that raises money to help clean up water in areas where they don't have it. Our church is participating in the cause this Christmas season. Here is a link. The video really gets you thinking. It really helped me to also think about what the Christmas season really means to me. www.adventconspiracy.org
Jen I'm with you. I'm TRYING to teach this to my kids as much as possible. We are truly blessed with everything we DO have - though there are things I would LIKE to have (a new sewing machine and a new camera)..... but trying to explain the HUGE difference between wants and needs. I don't NEED anything - plain and simple. It is a time for giving - but who are we giving to? People who NEED it or people who WANT it? Ahhhhh - the turmoil
I joined the advent conspiracy myself this year - I was pondering how it would look in my life, but now I can barely pull our own Christmas together. So, at least I am having a lot of time to think about something meaningful that is community based that doesn't involve purchasing for next year.
I understand completely. I have always fostered a sense of charity in my son. Every Christmas he picks out a toy for a girl and boy and we wrap it and take it to this Children's Shelter here. We also volunteer time in a local soup kitchen every 3 months. As we do these things, we talk about hunger in our community and around the world, and discuss solutions for them and how we make a difference. Also we discuss how hard it is for families to get gifts for their children and how family-togetherness is a gift in itself. We also do http://www.penpalsforsoldiers.org and http://www.writeseniors.com. Next year I hope to connect with a child in another country (one that we study) to learn more about their customs and everyday life. There is so much we can all do, even a letter can brighten someone's life.
