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We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future. ~Franklin Delano Roosevelt
President Roosevelt was a wise man! I worry sometimes that I’m not teaching my children enough, watching their character develop in the right ways, that they will be prepared for the future in the ways that I hope. The more I think, the more I realize that teaching them how to serve is the best thing I can do for all of us. What future will it be for any of us if compassion plays no part?
I have 3 sons in The Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts believe in giving something back to “the community that nurtures them. Scouting teaches not just service, but “cheerful” service is necessary for good citizenship. You help Scouts understand this by your cooperation, your smiles, your generosity and your encouragement, which all demonstrate that service to others is not only good, but enjoyable and satisfying, as well”.
While, reading about a Donkey Shelter (yes, a donkey shelter!), I read where the director links service with the building of character. According to Inge Berben, “supporting young people in performing community service builds their character, strengthens their personal values and broadens their connection with the community and its needs. Social research consistently shows that community service holds life-long benefits for the young people who do it.”
For children who have lived part of their lives feeling helpless and out of control, I can think of nothing more healing for them than serving another. Providing service to another helps our kids to develop compassion and an understanding of a world outside of themselves. Serving gives them the chance to realize that they can make a difference in the world, something wonderfully empowering for any child, and especially so for an adopted child. He may be just one child, but he can make a difference and he can change the world for good!
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~Edward Everett Hale
Blogs: How to Find Service Opportunities for our Adopted Children
How to Help Children Serve the Adoption Community
