Comments on: Getting kids to serve

By: Andrew Budek-Schmeisser

Andrew Budek-Schmeisser — Wed, 21 May 2014 16:48:40 +0000

In reply to LisaNotes. Please do! I'd be honored.

By: LisaNotes

LisaNotes — Wed, 21 May 2014 16:17:56 +0000

In reply to Andrew Budek-Schmeisser. :) If you don't mind, can I copy/paste your suggestions under the comments at Do Not Depart so they can be read there also? Good stuff.

By: Andrew Budek-Schmeisser

Andrew Budek-Schmeisser — Wed, 21 May 2014 13:52:24 +0000

In reply to LisaNotes.

Brilliant, Lisa!

More love, less duty.

THAT goes on my refrigerator door.

By: LisaNotes

LisaNotes — Wed, 21 May 2014 13:32:34 +0000

In reply to Andrew Budek-Schmeisser.

I love your answers, Andrew. Even the last one. 🙂
The principles apply to us as adults as well, right? I’m much more apt to serve when it’s something I enjoy, feel competent doing, and where I think I can make a difference. Then it’s more joy, less “sacrifice.” More love, less duty.

By: Andrew Budek-Schmeisser

Andrew Budek-Schmeisser — Wed, 21 May 2014 12:57:31 +0000

I don’t have kids, but I used to teach, and found that the best way to elicit service was to follow their inclinations,.

Kids who like team sports can be great at helping coach inner-city rugby (soccer’s for wimps).

Kids who like to build are wonderful candidates for Habitat for Humanity, especially when they show responsibility and can become team leaders.

Kids who like to dance can help entertain hospital and nursing-home patients, and they’ll never have a more appreciative audience.

The point is to use what they’ve got, and not try to make them fit an uncomfortable role in the thought that ‘service is sacrifice’.

And for the kid who just wants to play video games? All I can suggest there is, “Grab a hammer or a broom or a mop, or start thinking about where you’re gonna find dinner.”