This weekend was our 3rd Preschool Family Campout at Huntsville State Park. A cold front blew through the area and there were 8 very cold preschool families. I am one of those few people who prefers hot weather over cold weather. I was miserable. Last night I laid in my bed, and although I was thankful to be inside, I was still complaining in my head about how cold I was. As I laid there I felt a conviction about being thankful for what I have. Even though I was cold in the outdoors, I had a nice car with heat to drive home in, a nice home with heat and plenty of warm clothes and hot meals. How quickly we become selfish when things are not going our way.
As Thanksgiving approaches we should take this opportunity to teach our children about being thankful and the blessings we have. The holiday season is also a good time to teach them about giving to other children and families who don't have the luxuries we have.
UBC is participating in a Habitat for Humanity project. It teaches children to be thankful for their homes and has a nice built in plan that includes praying to give thanks for your home, for the people who don't have homes, and ways to give money to Habitat. The Connection Cafe at UBC has more information or you can contact Kristin at kristin.wood@ubc.org.
Operation Christmas Child and Lighthouse of Hope are two ways your family can learn about giving to others. Include your preschooler in the buying. Find a way to have them feel the sacrifice of what you are giving. Instead of going to McDonalds or Chick-Fil-A one day pack a picnic lunch and spend the money on gifts for other children. Explain to your preschooler about how we are giving up something extra in our lives to help others.
Yesterday at church the preschoolers learned about David Thanking God, 1 Chronicles 15:1-4, 11-12, 14-28; 16:1-43. Look for some specific things your family can thank God for this week. Is there something your family has been praying for that has finally happened? Do you get to visit some far away family members for the holidays?
