Being Shaped

Lastnight, Olivia asked me what we were doing for Thanksgiving. I admitted I really wasn't sure what we were doing , but would check with the grandmas to see what the family plans might be. She looked up at me and said, "Well, I have been thinking. I think that we are fed so well every day and that there are so many others who are not. I would like to go to an orphanage or something and help feed the children who don't get to eat like I do each day." CLUNK! My heart fell the floor. My eyes filled up with tears and I told her she was exactly right. We need to pick a cause to give of ourselves. She definitely has a servant's heart. When we did "Step Out" with the city last month, Olivia was hauling wheelbarrows around like the hardest working men! I saw in her a unique gift of service to others. It comes natural to her. I believe her sister has "different gifts" because the "helper" in her is a bit well.....lazy. That's ok, I know where she gets it! Nonetheless, we are ALL going to be actively serving in the very near future. We haven't decided, but I am leaning toward the shelter for women and children here in Omaha. Should we go out of town, Olivia reminded me that "those places have people who need to be helped too." I am so glad she is getting the big picture. It warms my heart to see her responding to a need.
The other night, we were at our favorite hangout with the Murray's. They have a campsite that we visit alot. We met a new little friend who didn't have a mommy in the local area and she was being cared for by her dad, which lacked quite a bit. I found out her size and when we got home. Olivia and Avery ran up to their room and stayed up past midnight going through all their belongings in order to give to the little girl. We were up at the crack of dawn, getting it all ready to deliver. It was such a pleasure to see the girls choose things for the girl that were not just things they didn't use or wear anymore, but a few favorites as well. I heard them in their room "Oh, yes," Avery would say, "that is such a cute one. Even though you still wear it, I think you should give it to her. Give her a turn to love it."
No every day isn't a fairy tale, and many times there are "cringe" moments when I think, "What on earth was she thinking?" or "Did my sweet little child just say that? Yikes!" But when they get it right, boy, they get it right. Seeing God shaping their hearts makes it all worth while!!!