More on Service Above Self

My blogging buddy, Natalie, made a very valid point in the combox, yesterday. There is a fine line between teaching responsibility and creating resentment when older children are charged with the care of younger siblings. As the oldest of three, myself, I understand that type of bitterness and resentment to a certain extent. I pray we do not cross that line with our own children, and I'm fairly confident that we do not.

With four older children capable of helping out, caring for the two younger siblings is usually fairly evenly divided. In general, our children are very giving and generous and love to help not only at home, but enjoy helping with the various charitable projects their CCD and youth groups develop. Too often, it is easier for our children to be charitable and giving to friends and strangers outside our home than to be so in our very own family. Isn't that so for many of us? This was what I was attempting to address in my post yesterday. The lesson they've had more difficulty with is the importance of showing love, care, and generosity to those closest to them. Fostering a heart of service at home is just as important as creating a heart of service toward the world.