Leah Faughn
Learning how to add is one of the first things we learn in Math. Children learn, even before Kindergarten, that adding means “you have some, and then you have some more.” Eventually children learn that there is no limit to adding. You can keep on adding as long as you want and the number continues to grow. Adding blessings to others is very similar, and is a spiritual school supply every child needs. Just as a calculator helps us add numbers, let’s notice the importance of adding blessings to the lives of others.
One of the definitions of the word “blessing” is, “Anything that gives happiness” (Webster’s New World Dictionary). So, when we add blessings to others, we add happiness to their lives. Isn’t that a beautiful thing? In the book of Hebrews, the writer encouraged his readers to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). There is such a need for love and good works in the world!
Adding blessings will not come naturally, though. I believe that is why the writer of Hebrews had to command the readers to “stir each other up.” In other words, he encouraged them to encourage others! It is very easy to overlook others. Our lives get busy, and we even have our own struggles. Still, in the midst of all of our concerns and hardships, we are expected and even commanded to bless others. It is no wonder that Paul wrote in Philippians, “In humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4). It takes an humble person to step out of his cloud of problems and worries and consider another. An humble person realizes that everyone around him needs happiness and encouragement.
Adding blessings to others’ lives can start small for your children, just like adding numbers in Kindergarten. In Kindergarten my children learned that adding just meant “some, some more.” My children didn’t have to learn how to add big numbers right away. In the same way, blessings can start small. They can be just a small word of encouragement or a small treat for someone, and just as there is no limit to adding numbers, there is no limit to the blessings we can give others.
What are some blessings you can encourage your children to “add” at their school?
- Make sure your children know how important it is to thank those who teach them.
- Teach your children to be on the lookout for those children who do not have many friends. Teach them to include those children in conversations, playground games, etc.
- Work together with your child to gather and donate school supplies to those who are less fortunate.
- If you homeschool, incorporate service projects into your curriculum.
- Of course, encourage your children to invite their friends and teachers to church.
Need more ideas? Check out my friend Heather’s Pinterest Board called “Happies.” The board has many ideas of items to make for gifts and treats for others.
http://pinterest.com/hmlamb/happies/
Also, Cindy Colley has a series on her blog called Mama’s K.I.S.S. in which she gives specific service and encouragement ideas for kids.
http://thecolleyhouse.org/tag/mamas-kiss
Leah Faughn lives in Hermitage, TN and worships with the Lebanon Road Church of Christ,
where her husband, Adam, is the preacher.
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