Compassionate Kids, a conversation

I recently read another blog post that was going around face book.  It was about talking with your kids about being compassionate.

http://momastery.com/blog/2015/08/18/before-school-conversation/

As I was reading this post to my, soon to be 8th grader, 7th grader, 4th grader and 1st grader, I got a little emotional, and found some words of my own for them.  And I really hope, me holding back tears was enough to get their attention.

As a tiny bit of background, recently my eldest daughter, went on a mission trip on her church.  The lesson she learned, and shared with our family, and the entire congregation was: If God calls you to do something outside of your comfort zone, do it, amazing things can happen.

She stepped out of her comfort zone, and hugged a complete stranger who was crying, an adult leader on this trip.  The hug grew into an enormous group hug.  They found out later the impact this hug had on this adult leaders life, and her relationship with God.  She learned how one small action, can change someones life.

So here were the points I was making to them.

Sometimes loneliness, and being completely ignored/ overlooked can hurt worse than being bullied.  Now I'm not saying bullying is no big deal, because that hurts too, but being so "unimportant" that people "Don't even bother" bullying you, could carry quite a sting.

If you have even 1 great friend, you can get through anything.

Imagine having no one.  You go to school, no one talks to you, you go to lunch, no one sits with you, you go outside, no one plays with you.  How worthless would you feel.  And NO ONE is worthless, and they should NEVER be made to feel that way.  God Loves each any every one of us, and He doesn't want anyone to feel alone.

Now Imagine you have no one, and suddenly, someone wants to be your friend.  How that would change your life!  How everything for you would suddenly change.  Now think about what an amazing opportunity that is for you, my children.  You could change that persons whole life, whole future, with such a small act of kindness.  Why would you not want to do that??  "Excuse me, would you like to change the world?  All you have to do is start a conversation with that person over there?"  "No, thanks. I'd rather be mediocre"

And I told them, as I teared up:  It hurts me to think that there are children suffering, to feel as though they are unimportant, to feel as though no one cares about them.  God cares, I care, if you stopped to think you would care too.  And to think that you could have a chance to help that child.  Please I'm begging, do something.  Help them.  Show them Gods love, show them that the world can be a wonderful place.  You have the power, use it.

Now I can only pray, that the heard me.  That ONE of them heard me (I hope they all did).  That at least one child can be affected by the conversation I had with my children last night.

Please keep in mind that my children are blessed with amazing personalities and numerous friends. My children are cheerleaders, marching band members, soccer players, and my 1st grader is so charismatic, it should be a crime (people are just drawn to him).

And I pray:

Lord, use my children.  They are ready to feel you nudging them.  Push them to the child who needs them.

Amen.