The holidays are here which means we typically think more about giving to others and showing compassion.  Recently, our family had the opportunity to serve as bell ringers for the Salvation Army.  As we stood outside in the 50 degree weather, ringing the bell and showing holiday cheer (singing songs and greeting others), my husband and I were showing our daughters how to serve others.  They also learned the value of giving to those who are less fortunate as a few hundred people passed by leaving change or dollars.

It shouldn’t take the holiday season to get people in the mind frame of giving.  It should be a conscious part of our lives.  Every day, we should look for opportunities to give and serve others.  The fun part of giving is anyone can do it.  You don’t have to be a millionaire to share a smile or drop coins in the red bucket or pay for someone’s coffee at the drive thru.  There are countless ways we can bless others everyday.

Giving is something we should teach our children by getting involved in community service projects, volunteering at church, or cleaning the elderly neighbor’s yard.  Children learn most things by seeing an example and observing behavior.  If we really want them to be servant leaders, responsible citizens, and compassionate Christians, it all begins with seeing us as givers and servants.  It discourages a spirit of entitlement and selfishness.

Your gratitude meter will dramatically increase if you practice a lifestyle of giving to others.  It reminds you that there are always people worse off than you, a little love goes a long way in making someone’s day, and we can all make a difference in the world by random acts of kindness.