God designed us to live in community.
The smallest community your children will experience is, of course, your nuclear family. This is followed by extended family. But, there are also multiple communities in which they will be involved: church, school, neighborhood, sports teams, and city being just some of them.
When my children were young I wanted them to understand that they were an integral part of each community and that they could serve, love, and comfort others within their reach. So, I came up with a phrase and a plan to help them understand this concept.
We are to:
- Love one another.
- Serve one another.
- Honor one another.
- Prefer one another.
We call it: "One Anothering"
This
phrase was born out of the Bible verse Romans 12:10: "Be devoted to
one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Here's how we taught it to our children.
Step 1: Give them A Definition:
I explained to my children that God places each of us in a community. Even though
you are small, your special touch is needed in the lives of others. It is super important to God that we show love to those around us. We do it willingly and joyfully. We have a special word in our family for this. It is called "One anothering".
Step 2: Give them examples:
- When you help stock the shelves of the church food bank you are "one anothering".
- When you mow our neighbor's lawn while they are on vacation you are "one anothering".
- When you get a drink of water for your thirsty sibling you are "one anothering."
- When you make soup for a sick neighbor you are "one anothering".
- When you color a picture and give it to someone who is sad you are "one anothering".
"One anothering" is best described as a natural
outflowing of your love and concern for your family, friends, neighbors,
and community.
Step 3: Give them a task:
When we were raising our sons, we lived next door to this lovely lady, Jinny Nailing.
She is pictured here with her nephew, Chaz.
She is pictured here with her nephew, Chaz.
When my oldest boys were about 8 and 10 years old, on snowy mornings I had them get out of bed, dress warmly, and go out and shovel Miss Nailing's sidewalk. I explained that although Miss Nailing didn't go to work until after lunch, we wanted her to wake up to a perfectly clean sidewalk.
Weeks later I noticed that they had began to watch for Jinny to return from her weekly shopping trip. I was so pleased to see them quickly bound from the house to rush to aid her in carrying her grocery bags into her home. They did this on their own volition. I hadn't even mentioned it to them.
When they returned from their task I said, "Boys I am so excited that you saw a need and helped Miss Nailing. You are really getting the hang of one anothering!"
They grinned from ear to ear as my second born son, John, replied, "Yeah, Mom and she's got great cookies too!" 😄
Well, I guess a little reward for their kindness is okay and as a Mom I have learned that when you allow another adult to "grandparent' your kids, you don't interfere with them giving your children a sweet treat.
Ask Your Kids!!
Sit down with your children and ask for their input. Believe me, they will bless your heart as they tell you how they would like to practice "one anothering". They will come up with ideas that you would never have thought of or considered! God uses our little ones in ways which are amazing and will take your breath away!
I would love, love, love to know what your family has done to practice "one anothering" in your neighborhood and community! Leave your thoughts in the comments section.
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Do all to the glory of God,
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