Blessing Bags . . .

In case you haven't met her in person, my oldest daughter, Hannah, has such a sweet and giving spirit. Recently, it has come to her attention that there are a lot of people out in the world that need help. We see them almost everyday as we drive around doing errands. Some are holding signs, some are standing on corners and some she wants to help . . . ok . . . everyone she wants to help. As her mom, I don't want to crush her sweet spirit of giving but don't always have cash in the car to help each person in need . . . and it's such an adult convesation to have about the specifics of giving to those in need.

I mentioned this current dilemma to my life group recently (a small group of women who gather each Tuesday night to study God's world, share life and pray for each other) and one of the women (thank you Adrienne) shared an idea she had read about. The concept is simple - decorate and fill brown paper sacks with some non-perishable items to hand out when we see someone in need. Thus began the Blessing Bags . . .

I took Hannah to the store to purchase water bottles, warm socks, granola bars and gum . . .

Then we spent some time with some markers and crayons decorating the bags with pictures of flowers and sunshine and trees and encouraging messages (God Loves You, We are Praying for You, Jesus Loves You)

Then together, we filled the bags, put them in a box and loaded them in the van between the two front seats.

The girls can't wait to run some more errands so we can hand them out . . . and Hannah said she's excited for when we've handed them all out (we filled 10 bags) so we can start all over again and add new items like gloves and juice boxes and candy . . .

I think we're on to something . . . I want my girls to learn important life lessons like loving others . . . it's the thought that counts and with kids, the more hands on experiences of service, the more they'll learn to serve. I'm excited to see how this plays out over the next couple days and weeks . . . I'll keep ya posted . . . and in the meantime, what are you going to put in your blessing bags?!