Perspective

Yesterday, at the end of the day, I went on strike. It had been a long day, including doctors appointments with three kids in tow, a baby that has suddenly learned the joys of not napping, and a very messy house. Upon coming across a stack of new books with pages ripped out, a pile of toys with pieces scattered to the four corners, and a wall beautifully autographed by my middle son, I wanted to quit. So I did. Convinced that I was the only person in the entire house that had any respect for my personal things, that knew how to clean up a mess, turn off a light, or heaven forbid, even flush a toilet, I decided I was finished for the day. I called my husband who dutifully brought home dinner because obviously I wasn't going to cook anything.

While my kids chewed on superbly healthy french fries and cheeseburgers, I chewed on my frustrations and decided in that moment, that my kids needed a reality check. I was determined to make them appreciate what they have, and perhaps instill a desire to take better care.

For Family Home Evening that night, we gathered around the computer and I introduced my kids to the children that are recipients of a charitable organization called Rising Star Outreach. It is an amazing group that works to benefit children in India who have no one to take care of them. Those that are not already orphans have parents who have leprosy and are living apart from their children in leper colonies. Rising Star Outreach has created a school where these children live, learn, and thrive. People here in the United States can sponsor a child, contributing small donations for clothing, education materials, and perhaps even a toy or two. I introduced my kids to these children and talked about all of the things we enjoy here in this country. Our home, our beds to sleep in. Schools, friends, clothing. And toys. So many toys. In comparison to such a situation, even the most meager surroundings seem luxurious. In response, the kids jumped down and gathered together a bag of stuffed animals that they don't play with anymore to give to other children that are in need. Their hearts may be little, but I hope they are seeing in some small way that the world is bigger than their playroom, and, if they try, they can make a difference.

Fortunately, while I so desperately tried to force gratitude and generosity in to the hearts of my children, it spilled over in to mine as well. A toilet that hasn't been flushed is still a toilet. A wall with marker scribbled all over is a wall that is keeping us warm and safe. A book with a ripped page is certainly better than no book at all.

This world is so much bigger than me.

I know I will still have bad days. And I will probably still complain about them. I hope though, that there will always be something or someone to serve me up a healthy dose of perspective so that I don't wallow in self misery for too long.

This, my kids, my family, my home... it's what I do. It's what I love. Even on the bad days. It is work. But, it is the work that God would have me do. So, onward, ever onward.