A Reversed "Penny of Time"? What it feels like to be served.

These two boys are the center of my life.  Cute, aren't they?

They spend quite a bit of time serving other people.  Many times, they see the result of that service.  Most times, they don't.  I was having a moment the other day in trying to figure out how to show them that serving someone really does make a difference for the person receiving the service.  What book could I read to them?  Is there a good video?  How about a true story?

And, this morning, I realized what I should have realized days ago.  They need to be on the receiving end of a "Penny of Time" Adventure.

So, today, I took a "penny of time" and cleaned their rooms.  I took another "penny of time" and planned their favorite snack.  And, then I took another "penny of time" and made their favorite dinner.

Clean Room

Mozzerella Sticks

Chicken Korma with Cauliflower Rice

(okay, they still prefer "regular" rice, but they'll eat the cauli version, too)

Pretty sweet?  You bet.

After playing at the playground, I told the boys that today would be different--I was going to do a "penny of time" for them.  They didn't believe me.

When I announced that I cleaned their rooms for them, their faces beamed, and they smiled, and they actually GIGGLED!!!

No way!

Really!

That's awesome!

Can I see it now?

How long did it take you?

I wanted them to capture that good feeling in their hearts.  So, I asked how they were feeling.

Happy!

Really good!

Glad I don't have to clean my room.

I explained that people we serve have those same good feelings when we care for them, when we love them, when we make their lives easier, and when we sacrifice to make their lives better.

Their response to me,"Mom, what can we do to do a "penny of time" for you?"

awesomesauce!

And, then, to top off an awesome day of talking about receiving service from others, one of our neighbors dropped by 2 huge bags full of soccer and basketballs for Captain Hope's Kids.  Seriously.  The timing couldn't be better.  They were so excited to see their hard work of talking about Captain Hope's Kids pay off. 

I sit here completely humbled by the experiences that we are having as a family and as a community.

If you have any inkling to try this.  Just do it.  Don't hesitate.  Serve with your family.  Serve with your children.  You will treasure the experiences that you will have.