One aspect of parenting my husband and I always tried to be intentional about was developing a servant-hearted attitude in our four children. We didn’t always nail it, but as parents we intentionally provided opportunities and encouraged them to use the abilities God had gifted them to bless others.

For our family, this looked like baking for chaplaincy stalls at school, helping at Sunday School, being camp leaders at Christian Youth Camps and, instead of focussing on a schoolies week away, three of them chose to do a two-month mission trip overseas. Three of my children did puppet shows in local schools sharing the message of God’s love in state schools and one of them volunteered at Landsborough museum for months. It developed in them an others-oriented approach to life. Of my four children, Job is a high school teacher and works with PCYC training the basket ball team, Rachel an accountant, works in a Gym with disadvantaged and struggling youth, James is an engineer and supports Destiny Rescue running events and Hannah makes items for my market stalls for Destiny Rescue and sponsors children overseas. Some of them are already teaching their young children the same heart for others. It is a legacy I celebrate.

Jesus said “It is more blessed to give than receive” in Acts 20:35. One of the best ways you can grow your child’s confidence, identity and self esteem is to grow their ability to serve. When we help others we grow ourselves, in all the fruits of the Holy Spirit [love, joy, pace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control].

Of course, it is really important to model being servant hearted to your family. 

I thought I would share my heart for the charity Destiny Rescue which rescues and restores children’s lives from sex trafficking around the world. I sell cards and gifts at local markets and donate the funds to the charity. Often my children would come with me and help manage the stall (they still do and they are in their early thirties!).

I am holding an auction on the 10 May in Mooloolah Public Hall where I live. You are very welcome to book a ticket ($10 covers entry and a choice of a drink and dessert) via this link below. Or maybe you would like to donate a service or item or voucher to the auction. It promises to be a lovely community event with live music, drinks and a dessert bar and some bargains to be gotten to boot!

What can your family get behind or support to grow your children’s servant heart? Take some time this Easter to brainstorm ideas with your family. It’s a perfect time to reflect on this as we reflect on Jesus, the ultimate example of a servant heart, he came into this world knowing he would give his life for the lives of others. 

Mark 10:41-45 “Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Wishing you all a blessed Easter

Fi