With Help

 

Leigha Youngblood’s son, Dallas, is 2 ½ years old.  Wednesday is one of his favorite days of the week because it’s Trash Truck Day!  Each week he excitedly waits outside to wave and speak to the men on the trash truck.  Afterwards, he and his mom help return the trash cans for the neighbors on the street.  Since it was such a hot day this past Wednesday, Dallas had cold Gatorade and water to give to the men.  Whether it’s returning trash cans, baking cookies to share, pulling weeds, watering the flowers, or cleaning up sticks in the yard, Dallas’ parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents are intentional in teaching him how to serve others and then giving him opportunities to do so.

 

Oliver Davis is 6 years old and lives in Leawood, Kansas.  He does chores in order to earn money to purchase roses to take to nursing homes in town.  Wearing his police uniform, “Officer Oliver” makes calls to the care homes.  He has a little police motorcycle that he rides.  Oliver gets a flower out of his basket, gives it to a resident, along with a big hug, and then presents them with a ticket which reads:

 

VIOLATION

CITY OF PRAIRIE VILLAGE

STOP

You have received

a Ticket

for being

too CUTE!

Oliver

 

After gifting the roses, hugs, and tickets, Oliver visits with his new friends.  His presence delights and brightens the day for the residents and their caregivers.  So far, Oliver and his mother, Brandi Davis, have made visits to 9 facilities around town, with more to come.

 

Claire is 9 years old.  This summer she wanted to learn to sew.  She and her grandmother, Linda Oursler, went the store and bought coordinating fabric to make pillow cases for the women’s shelter in town.  So far, Claire has made 19 pillow cases for the women and children and one to surprise her dad.  After the pillow case is completed, a gift is tucked inside and tied up with a ribbon and note.

 

Dallas, Oliver, and Claire are being taught to be kind, thoughtful, and to serve others.  Then they are given opportunities to put into action what they are learning and wanting to do.  Kudos to their families for making and taking the time to make it happen.  May we take the time to invest in others, too.

 

 

Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6