Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother’s house they come!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done? Hurrah for the pumpkin pie! Spring over the ground like a hunting hound, for here comes Thanksgiving Day!
We know that all grandmas just like me are thrilled when it is their turn in the rotation for sons and daughters to journey all the way from the big city and come home to partake of the country life for Thanksgiving. It is grandma’s job to set the stage, dust off the furniture, plan the meals, fluff the pillows, and prepare activities to enhance the joys of country life for her urban visitors.
My beloved millennial offspring might be quite surprised to know how much preparation goes into readiness for these visits. Holidays are serious business. There are long lists of tasks to check off, menus to plan, groceries to buy, and activities to orchestrate.
Worrisome is the indecisive consideration of how deep to dive into baby proofing. Do I really want to pack up all the loose objects in the house like I am moving out? My displays of collectibles which are precious to me, and apparently meaningless nowadays to Generation Y, regardless, need protection from toddlers and curious young hands.
Without a doubt, the guest room needs a great deal of attention too. Mysteriously, it has transformed from a bedroom into a closet, layered up with piles of stuff, leaving no bed even visible underneath. Guest rooms are like empty tables, just their existence invites us to fill them up with all kinds of procrastinated to-do list inventory, ready to go, but just not yet.
But wait, instead of venting about all the trivial chores involved, let’s place a highlighted lens upon the meaningful opportunities which can arise during holiday gatherings. When my urban relatives arrive in the country, I hope to help them find connection to the simple sights, sounds and smells that define life here with reminders of the beauty that surrounds us — if only we take a moment to notice.
In view of the simple blessings of rural life, the distraction of traffic, noise and light pollution, and maybe even digital dependence, can be set aside, inherently opening doors to meaningful exchanges.
I hope to reveal to my grandchildren an experience of gratitude during the holiday which features thankfulness. When they have the assurance that our table is full and plentiful, then I could introduce the realization that plenty and wellness is not the case for everyone.
I hope to encourage them to understand they can deliver empathy and respect to a world where that is lacking. It is never too early to start teaching the next generation about service and sacrifice, presenting the concepts in simple ways.
As mentors, we wonder how to help children understand the importance of kindness, generosity and serving others. One of Jesus’ teachings in the Bible, from Matthew 16:2427, offers profound guidance: “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
These words hold a key truth about finding meaning and purpose.
In our world, it’s easy for both kids and adults to feel like we need to look out for ourselves first. Social messaging emphasizes achieving personal success and gaining things that make us feel important.
Yet, Jesus’ words challenge this mindset, suggesting that when we focus too much on ourselves, we may miss out on something deeper and more lasting.
Instead, Jesus tells us that by giving of ourselves, aligning his teachings with our time, love and resources, we can truly “find” our lives.
Teaching children to help others begins with small actions, even in simple everyday situations. If we want our children to grow up as compassionate adults, we can start by letting them see us do things like volunteering at food pantries, donating clothes or toys to those in need, or just listening to a friend who is going through a tough time.
When we include kids in these actions, even in small ways, they begin to understand that serving others is not a burden, but a gift.
One way to instruct children about the value of helping others is to talk with them about hunger and poverty. While these can be challenging topics, we can use language and examples that connect with them.
We can explain that just as they need food to feel good and grow, some people don’t have enough food. And, just as they need a safe place to sleep, some people don’t have a secure place to spend the night.
We can encourage kids by our example to take part in activities that fight hunger, isolation and poverty.
Matthew 16:24-27 reminds us that a meaningful life is found not in holding tightly to what we have, but in letting go and giving to others.
Janet Mills is the director of Cassville Pantry, located at 800 W. 10th St. in Cassville. She may be reached at cassvillepantry@gmail.com or 417-846-7871.
