The majority of our homeschooling days center around our children and meeting their physical, emotional, social, and academic needs. It is easy to become so wrapped up in their lives and their future we neglect to teach them to be sensitive to the needs of others.

Service is a wonderful opportunity to teach our children about the loving heart of God. We often teach them songs like ‘Jesus Loves Me,’ but we must also teach them Jesus loves through me.

Although our family did take a part in projects which benefitted others, I regret we didn’t make a greater effort in ongoing committed relationships with some of those people we served. I think the patterns we establish with our children early in their lives, become behaviors they naturally gravitate toward as they become adults.

If we live our lives consistently aware of the needs of those around us, who are limited by age or disability or are less fortunate financially or socially, I believe our children will be more compassionate adults who make serving others a priority.

There is a point in everyone’s life when they need help – due to sickness, childbirth, or loss. Jesus tells us we are to take care of widows and orphans. If we neglect this command, most certainly our children will. I want the first response of my children to be to reach out with loving service, don’t you?