On a recent lazy weekend, my kids were creating masterpieces for an upcoming art show they’re planning. This will be their second big art show – their debut was during our Thanksgiving visit with family down in California. They charged an admittance fee (with a nice discount for early birds), and sold their art to high bidders. They decided that 100% of the proceeds would go to our local Oregon Food Bank, a collection they’ve been working on for a few months now.
While working on her creations, my four year old daughter wanted to know why people help other people, so I tried explaining to her why it’s good to give of our time or other means to people who need it more than we do. This wasn’t the easiest conversation I’ve had with her, but I think some of it came across.
Then I mentioned that, even at four years old, she could make the world a better place.
And her face just lit up. She looked at me with curious excitement in her eyes and asked, “really mommy…what can I do to make the world better?”
I’ve not spent much time here at Change Becomes Change since I’ve followed my personal passions to launch Feed Our Families, but this exchange with my daughter has inspired me to return. It’s easy for all of us – young and old, rich and poor – to forget, or not realize that, yes, we can all make the world a better place.
She’s busy making art for a show when her grandparents visit next month, and is looking forward to the spring beach clean up with SOLV. And I couldn’t be more proud of my little change agent.
The world is not so fun sometimes, bringing kids into that world is even scarier. But this is exactly WHY we bring kids into the world. To make a difference. To foster, inspire, and teach a new generation of those who will grow up and WANT to be better. Kudos to you and thanks for the ongoing inspiration.
Posted by: Jodi | January 11, 2011 at 10:33 AM
ps....LOVE this shot of the little artist, the concentration and expression are priceless. :)
Posted by: Jodi | January 11, 2011 at 10:34 AM
It's amazing what lessons we learn by raising and listening to our children. I totally agree! Thanks for sharing, Jodi.
Posted by: Gina | January 11, 2011 at 10:56 PM
Making a change in world is a great responsibility. Each one of us has each own time to make a change. This may either in lives of our love ones or the people around us. What is important to be able to share what we have and enjoy the life we have. Thanks a lot for the effort of sharing this post.
Posted by: carpet cleaning puyallup wa | January 28, 2011 at 04:36 AM