The Moral Lesson in a Crust of Bread

I don't spend a whole lot of time yet engaging my children in thoughtful discussion about global issues. They're just too young. Their "universe" consists of home, school, church, the park, etc. But I know that the time to begin the foundation of moral grounding is now. This is the time to prepare them in the little moments that hold big lessons. This is the time to equip them with the compass to navigate the bigger issues of our world so that when the time comes, they'll know what to do.

And so, we consider the little things - like the crust on a peanut butter sandwich. I know a lot of children insist the crusts be cut off the sandwich. Many parents do it because they feel it is a small nurturing gesture. Some think it's cute. Others do it out of habit because their mother did it for them. Probably most do it as a desperate attempt to get their picky child to eat something - anything. The picky eater is a discussion for another post.

For me, removing the crusts is not an option. It's one thing if my child gets to the end of his sandwich and becomes full and cannot finish part of the crust. For the child to grow up, believing that the crust is not worth eating and disposable, is a seemingly small, but no less tragic, mistake in the parental task of moral teaching.

Empathy and compassion for those in need begins in childhood. It is critical we teach our children not to waste the blessings they are given. Use care and make sure to spread the peanut butter and jelly all the way to the edge of the bread. Then teach your children that the crust is valuable and worthy of eating.

Talk to your children about those children in this world who dig through garbage every day for the prize of a crust of bread.

"HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY" ...

This came from a friend today....

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle...

Spiritual Needs and Happiness

Considering spiritual needs and happiness.

The need to feel unique, the need to feel a sense of purpose, the need to feel connected with others and with something bigger than me, and the need to understand where I fit in to the big picture.

Find ways to meet these needs in my own life and to look for ways to help others recognize and meet these needs in their own lives.

Celebrate the things that make me different, that make me special - even the littlest things.
Observe others and notice their beauty and uniqueness.

Work to identify my gifts and talents, and use them to the best of my ability as often as possible.
Look for ways to encourage others as they discover, exercise and grow their own talents.

Look for opportunities to make connections with others and with God.
Live a life that expresses gratitude.

Consider the issues that face the world and ask myself what I can do to make a difference in my small part of that big world. Don't live in a bubble. Keep my own challenges, problems and weaknesses in perspective.

Aim for this every day.