What if we did make a difference? What if we started right where we are? What if we made a commitment to our God first, and then to our families to leave a lasting legacy of faith and hope.  What would THAT life look like?

At times the task seems much bigger than me. The numbers are staggering. As a mom of small children I feel overwhelmed by the need of my own family.  But, something within me can’t let this be someone else’s problem.  Someone within me is crying out to do something.  I close my eyes and I wonder what it would be like if I saw 8 pairs of eyes looking up at me and I didn’t have food enough for their hungry bellies, shoes for their growing feet, or a safe warm bed.  What would that life feel like?

I understand why Kristen, a mom just like me, had to do something about young, pregnant, and helpless girls in Kenya.  I see why my friend Jenny is opening her heart and home to three sisters from Ethiopia.  And I ask God for eyes to see and a chance to make a difference.  But what can I do now?

  • Donate items for a yard sale to benefit others instead of myself?
  • Make a dinner for a new mom?
  • Pack shoeboxes full with toys, books, shoes, candy and God’s love for children in need?
  • Pray for friends on the front lines of ministry.
  • Teach my children to give.

It all began with an honest look and a helping hand.  Could this be God’s strategy for human hurt? First, kind eyes meet desperate ones.  Next, strong hands help weak ones. Then, the miracle of God.  We do our small part, he does the big part, and life at the Beautiful Gate begins to be just that.

Max Lucado, Outlive Your Life, page 71

Recently, I have been praying about teaching my girls about seeing and giving.  We have started a mission project where we pick a different way to see and give each month.  This November, we will pack shoe boxes for our sponsored children in Albania and Haiti. Through it all my girls are learning to use their hands to bless others.

I love that Max Lucado has the same vision to pass a legacy of seeing and giving onto children.  Have you read this book?

It is part of the Outlive Your Life campaign.  Written to the littlest ones in your family, –it features rhyming text and sweet hand motions. – It teaches children ways to do God’s work with their tiny hands. My favorite part lets them know that they can have helping hands, kind hands, and loving hands.  I have used it during bedtime routine to ask my 4 year old, “What kind of hands did you have today?” She loves it!

Tommy Nelson is graciously giving you a chance to win a copy of this precious book for your home or Sunday School class. Just leave a comment and tell me how you are teaching your little ones to see and give. I will pick a winner through Random.org.  Please make sure you leave your email if your name does not connect to your blog or contact information.  Also, we can only accept entries from those living in the continental United States.

Now, go ahead and outlive your life, I dare you!