Charity Begins at Home

'Tis the season! The season of beauty. The season of light. The season of peace, joy, faith, hope, love. It is the time when people feel most inclined to help their fellow man. During the Christmas season volunteerism at food banks, hospitals and soup kitchens is at an all time high. Then there is Angel Tree, where church goers buy gifts for the children of incarcerated parents. There are food drives, mitten drives, clothing drives...and the list goes on.

I love this time of year! I am an advocate for helping those in need and teaching my children to do the same. Not just this time of year, but always. It's the right thing to do, and it's what God wants from us, right? Right. (Acts 20:35, Proverbs 19:17, Matthew 25:35-40,Proverbs 14:31, Proverbs 28:27).  These scriptures are just a few of many that reinforce this fact. However, upon pondering this, I had a nagging feeling in my heart that there was something that I was missing?

Then it came to me. I can give all I want to charities, donate my time to good causes, and buy gifts for those less fortunate, but if I'm not showing that same peace, charity, love, and kindness to those closest to me, what does it profit? I mean, how can I endeavor to teach my children kindness and patience, but when they take too long getting dressed, spill drinks, or forget to flush the toilet, I impatiently fuss and chastise? How can I incessantly nag my husband about ways and reasons that we should give of ourselves when I make him jump through hoops, at times, to get back into my good graces after a disagreement?

The answer is that I can't. I shouldn't. I need to take a step back and make sure that all I am trying to do for others, I am doing for my own family. The fruits of the spirit in my life should first be evident to my husband and children, the people who are around me each day. In this, my lessons to my children on how to be godly, loving, and kind are not just lip service. They will remember how they saw Mommy respond to tough situations, how Mommy showed grace, how Mommy loved. In this, they will be raised up in the way that they should be, so that when they are older they will not depart from it. I can also minister to my husband as he has ministered to me on so many occasions, by example. It is powerful and life changing. I know first hand from being on the receiving end of his patience, faithfulness, self-control, and love.

The old adage,"Charity begins at home",  is not just a cliche for me. It is a reality that I am willing to embrace, a journey that I am willing to take. .