Written by Dynamis Ministries | May 25, 2023
Recently, Dynamis hit a milestone in that for the first time we had a child go through the Generosity Plan process. A couple raising a young family signed up for a Generosity Plan, and their 6th grade son was eager to participate in the process as well. He sat through the planning sessions, participated in the discussions and walked away with Action Items he could implement at his school, in his home and with his friends in growing his generosity. Check out what his parents said about this experience:
“It was important to have our son go through the Generosity Plan with us because we want to show that everyone can be generous in any part of their life. This was impactful because it gave him very tangible ideas to act upon. Our son even noted that he has grown more aware of ways to be generous since going through the Plan with us!”
This family is inspiring. Not only is this 6th grader pioneering the way for younger people to be intentional about their generosity, but also his parents are modeling a Biblical proverb about raising children. Proverbs 22:6 states, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” There are many ways parents need to guide and instruct their children; from how to treat others who are different, to developing social skills, to building work habits and so on and so forth. But have you ever considered that generosity is another area where parents can “start their children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”?
If you are a parent, or parent figure, reflect on the place of generosity in your children’s lives. Is this a habit you are cultivating that they can keep with them as they mature? As we approach the summer season when families tend to spend more time together, consider how generosity can be part of your family’s summer rhythm. You may choose to do family service events or practice random acts of kindness to your neighbors. Or, you might decide to have a lemonade stand and donate the proceeds to a charity. No matter what the pathway, take this summer to teach generosity to your children or even grandchildren. By doing so, you’ll be instilling a spirit of generosity in them that even when they are old, they will not turn from!
