Helping Just Because

PHOTO CAPTION: Helping can mean offering someone a fun sweet treat.



Happy Thanksgiving!



Helping just because doesn’t always come easy. In our family, I always tried to have jobs that the kids did or that we all did simply because we were a family and families work together. Then there were other jobs that I would pay my kids to do so that they could learn the value of working for something. I think both kinds of work are good for kids. However, like most kids, my kids liked to know if the job I was asking them to do was a “just because” job – something that they were to do because they belonged to the family or was a paid job. I like to know that too and sometimes those lines can be blurred. I won’t deny that it’s always nice to get a paycheck, but those “helping just because” jobs have their own reward; the reward of knowing that you did something to help someone else, to show that you care and to share God’s love with others by serving.



What are some “helping just because” jobs that we can do? Help a neighbor or friend who is going through a hard time, volunteer at your church or in your community, serving your family, really anything that you do because you want to and not because you are working for a paycheck.



How can we help our kids learn to help just because? First, we can serve others. If we are helping and serving, then our kids will learn to serve too. When you are taking a meal to someone, helping as a greeter at your church, serving in your church nursery or working at your local food bank, bring your child along. Another idea is to let your child help you whenever you can even if it takes longer. As for those times when they don’t want to do the job you ask, see if you can make it fun. Making it fun doesn’t always work, but it’s worth a try because sometimes it does help. Encourage your kids to do whatever they can themselves. Even a toddler can help clean up a spill if given a towel. They will learn by doing even if it does longer to get the job done.

So if you, like me, have sometimes found it hard to help just because, remember that God is always there to help us.

Just recently during a moment of self pity, (Yes, I do have those moments once in awhile!) I remarked to my husband, “I want to be there to care for and help others, but who is there to help me?” Now I know that I do have a lot of people that help me and care for me still, every once in awhile I get just a little tired of helping. I want to sit down, put my feet up and be served. I especially felt this way when my kids were younger and it seemed that the work at home was never done. But oh the joy we get when we partner with God to serve or help just because or for no other reason than because God loves you and me and well, there is a job to be done. Helping just because will make a difference in your life and in the lives of others, so let’s get to work, there’s a job to done. Why? Just because!

PARENT PRAYER: 
Father God,

Sometimes helping just because requires that I get right down in the middle of a mess and get dirty. It’s not always fun. Helping can be messy, tiring, back-breaking work before the job is done. Yet I know that when I roll up my sleeves and stick with the task that you have set before me, you will give me the strength to stick with it until it’s finished. Help me to trust you when I find myself in the middle of a mess. Show me when to take a breather and when to serve. Most of all, Lord, I want to serve you. As I help with the jobs that need to be done, shine through me so that others will see how much you love them. Teach me and my kids the joy of helping just because. Thank you for helping me time and time again just because you love me. Amen

WAYS TO HELP AT CHRISTMAS TIME

• Start with helping at home. 
Kids can help by picking up their toys, asking mom and dad what they can do to help, getting dressed themselves or even help by wrapping presents although they might be a little messy.
 Parents can help by simplifying and making sure to spend time with their kids. The greatest gift you can give your kids is your time.



• Help in the community. There are so many opportunities to give and show your love at Christmas. There are soup kitchens, opportunities at church, food banks, Toys for Tots, sock drives for the homeless, etc. Find a way to help and do it with your whole family.
• Help your neighbors. Help an elderly neighbor by taking them to the store or by helping them with their holiday baking and other holiday chores. You can help your neighbors in other ways too – help take care of their pets if they are going to be gone. Enlist your kids to help.
• Adopt a needy family that you know of.
• Invite a family over who doesn’t have family close by – perhaps someone who has kids so your kids can get in on the helping and sharing.
• Be creative and do some fun things to help without letting 
anyone else know.


Kid’s Section

STORY: Samuel Helps – 1 Samuel 1:28-2:26

God answered Hannah’s prayer and gave her a baby boy to love. Hannah had promised that she would give her son, Samuel, back to God and she did. When Samuel was big enough to be away from home, Hannah took him to the temple church to live. At the temple church, Samuel served God and helped Eli the priest. (pastor).

“Samuel!” Eli called. “It’s time to get up and get the temple ready for the people to come.” Samuel quickly went to help Eli. He swept the floors and dusted. He filled the lamps with oil so that there would be light in the temple church. Samuel liked helping. He did whatever Eli asked him to do. Samuel also liked learning about God. Samuel loved God with all his heart and wanted to serve Him. I wonder if Samuel ever wished he could be back with his family? I’m sure he looked forward to their visits and some days he may have been tired of helping. Still Samuel worked hard and continued to help Eli everyday. He was happy to help because he knew that’s what God wanted him to do.

God made you and loves you (Place hands on heart.) just like He did Samuel. He made you with strong legs and feet. He made you with hands. You can use your hands and feet to help too. Helping can be fun and it can be hard work. When you help, remember you are serving God just like Samuel did. Whether you are helping at home or at church, remember to do whatever you do happily. God will help you.

What are some ways you can help? (Put away toys. Pick up paper. Help mom with baby at home. Listen to your teacher. Share with others.) Those are great ideas! Let’s be good helpers this week. 



MEMORIZE: 1 Chron. 16:34 ERV – (Hands open as if holding a book.)

Give thanks – (Touch lips with fingertips and bring down to meet your other hand.)

STORY: Samuel Helps – 1 Samuel 1:28-2:26
God answered Hannah’s prayer and gave her a baby boy to love. Hannah had promised that she would give her son, Samuel, back to God and she did. When Samuel was big enough to be away from home, Hannah took him to the temple church to live. At the temple church, Samuel served God and helped Eli the priest. (pastor).

“Samuel!” Eli called. “It’s time to get up and get the temple ready for the people to come.” Samuel quickly went to help Eli. He swept the floors and dusted. He filled the lamps with oil so that there would be light in the temple church. Samuel liked helping. He did whatever Eli asked him to do. Samuel also liked learning about God. Samuel loved God with all his heart and wanted to serve Him. I wonder if Samuel ever wished he could be back with his family? I’m sure he looked forward to their visits and some days he may have been tired of helping. Still Samuel worked hard and continued to help Eli everyday. He was happy to help because he knew that’s what God wanted him to do.

God made you and loves you (Place hands on heart.) just like He did Samuel. He made you with strong legs and feet. He made you with hands. You can use your hands and feet to help too. Helping can be fun and it can be hard work. When you help, remember you are serving God just like Samuel did. Whether you are helping at home or at church, remember to do whatever you do happily. God will help you.  

What are some ways you can help? (Put away toys. Pick up paper. Help mom with baby at home. Listen to our teacher. Share with others.) Those are great ideas! Let’s be good helpers this week.

MEMORIZE: 1 Chron. 16:34 ERV – (Hands open as if holding a book.)
Give thanks – (Touch lips with fingertips and bring down to meet your other hand.)
To the Lord – (Point upwards.)
For He is good. – (Rub tummy.)
To the Lord – (Point upwards.)

For He is good. – (Rub tummy.)

KNOW: Samuel helped. I can help.


TALK ABOUT: Ways to help.


ASK: Who made you? God made me.


AND DO… I can help at church and at home. I am thankful God made me to help.

FUN IDEA FOR THIS WEEK:


• Think of someone your whole family can help this week and then do it. Suggestions – a neighbor, grandma and grandpa or someone at church.
  
  • Ask God to show you ways you can help others and be thankful.
    
    PRAYER:

    Dear God,

    Thank you for making me strong and for giving me hands and feet so that I can help at home, at church and at school. Sometimes I don’t want to pick up my toys, but I know that you will help me when I ask you to. I want to be a good helper just like Samuel was. Help me to remember that when I help happily, the job will soon be done. Amen