My friend, Charme Fletcher, recently posted a blog about boots–fashion boots in particular. I want to share with you her thoughts and how it has led to a great ministry idea you can do with you grandkids.

Building a Legacy of Faith: Boots–Am I in Style? by Charme Fletcher with covenantheirs

^“3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others”  Philippians 2:3-4.

Personal Reflection:  Boots…everyone seems to have a stylish pair of boots, but me.  Who doesn’t want to stay in style?  Why have I even noticed that so many women are wearing fashionable boots?  Is it because I am feeling a little envious of what others have and I don’t have; or is it because I just don’t want to be considered unfashionable?  I’ve been searching my heart lately, as these thoughts have popped into my mind. And I’ve come to the realization that I must not be alone in these thoughts. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be so many women wearing boots, right?  Then I think about the recent disaster that hit the Philippines, leaving potentially thousands dead and so many more missing and homeless.  Why am I not much more concerned for those who are going through such horrific pain and suffering, than simply wasting my thoughts on boots, of all things!

This brief personal reflection is a good place to contemplate what type of messages we are sending to our kids and grandkids. Consider these options.

Messages that reflect Christ and His love for others:

• Praying for those who are hurting.
• Donating nice or even better yet, new clothing to the Salvation Army or other compassionate ministry/organization.
• Volunteering time serving those who are less fortunate.
• Praising God and giving Him thanks for all the “things” we do have.
• Sacrificially giving up something that I want, so that I can provide a need for someone else.
• Spending time with someone who may be overlooked by others.
• Inviting someone who is going through a difficult time over for a meal and conversation.
• Replacing TV/computer time with family projects that will bless others. 

Suggestions:

1. Call someone who you haven’t talked to for a while, just to let them know you care about them.  And, or: Write notes of encouragement and mail them to that special someone.
2. Bake some goodies for someone who needs cheering up.
3. Invite a neighbor(s) over to play table games.
4. Mow, rake, shovel snow, for someone who is physically unable to accomplish these tasks.
5. Visit an elderly care facility, and provide conversation, prayer, Bible reading, or whatever else, to brighten the hearts of those who are often overlooked. (I am reminded of a family who enjoys playing their instruments and singing for the elderly who are in nursing homes.)

So whether I choose to conform to the stylish pattern of this world and purchase a pair of fashionable boots or not is really not the real question.  The truer question I must answer: Am I willing to love others by giving up something that I “want” just because I wish to be in style? This isn’t even much of a sacrifice, is it?  I really need to give up things that cost me something, such as my time.  See below for a list of organizations where you and your family can volunteer time and resources.

Fill-a-Boot with Love  (Family Care Project)

Take an empty boot and begin filling it with loose change. Sacrifice money that would have been spent on a family pizza or family activity like bowling, and instead, add it to the boot collection.

In advance, designate a family care project such as: Purchase a new winter coat to donate to a homeless shelter, or purchase food for a Thanksgiving meal, to be given to a person or family who would not be able to purchase their own meal.  When the boot is full, use this money to accomplish your family care project.  Repeat the Fill-a-Boot with Love by designating a new family care project.