Spilled Milk

A few mornings ago my three year old spilled his milk. He is so cute when he spills something because he immediately jumps up and says, "I am SO, SO sorry!!"  Even at three years old he has a very tender heart  and, although full of mischief at times, he really seems to feel other peoples sorrows. I told him not to worry about the milk and then used the  "No use crying over spilled milk" expression. That got the other kids attention and they asked what I meant by that. I gave them a quick explanation of not wasting your time being upset over something so small.

(Yes, my kids did look at me like I had officially lost it when I took this picture!)

After that I couldn't get the expression out of my mind and throughout the day I thought of the times that I have "cried over spilled milk". An unkind word from someone who was, maybe just having a bad day, hanging on to an argument with my husband, getting impatient or angry when something doesn't go as planned... You get the idea. I see so much of this in our society right now. Family members quit speaking to each other, marriages fail, mass shootings. And I wonder, if we took a little less time focusing on ourselves and a little more time focusing on the needs of others could we end some of our own heartbreak?? 

What can we do to step out of our own little world and meet the needs of others? Maybe you know a mom with a new baby, or someone sick or recovering from surgery  that could use a meal, an elderly person who no longer drives and might enjoy a trip out of the house - to the grocery store or lunch, someone going through a death or divorce, maybe they just need a listening ear (JUST listening, not advice. ;) ), volunteer at your local meals on wheels, or another local organization.  And that's not all, around the world the needs of others are staggering. There are so many organizations that you can help with. 

Here are a three that I love;

Click on Amazima Ministries to learn more about this amazing organization founded by Katie Davis. Or click on Compassion International to find out how to sponsor a child. Last, but certainly not least is the one I have been talking about for weeks... Reece's Rainbow.  In case this is your first time to check out my blog, my family is part of an Angel Tree Fundraiser for Oscar. Reece's Rainbow advocates for children with down syndrome and other special needs in foreign countries. They help provide grants to families adopting these children who would otherwise enter into adult mental institutions around the age of four or five. There is nothing wrong with these children, they were created differently and so their own societies have deemed unworthy of the most basic of needs. Love.  Let me introduce you to just a few, and I encourage you to click on their names and read the descriptions.

First  there is Emmit- I love the expression on his face - he just looks like such a sweet and peaceful little boy.  He is in an adult mental institution, instead of being outside or playing with boys his own age. Look closely at his picture, it looks like he's sitting in a crib next to another crib.

Next is Kolya, this adorable boy looks so full of joy, in spite of his circumstances. Read his description, it is obvious that this boy is special. :)

Then there is Gracelynn. The expression on her face makes me smile every time I look at this picture. She looks so full of mischief and fun!! She needs to be at home with her family learning and playing!

And finally, is "our" Angel Tree child Oscar.

 He's just too cute for words, in my opinion. And remember that three year old little boy of mine that spilled milk? He's the same age as Oscar. It literally makes my heart ache to think of my sweet son being tossed away into a mental institution because someone didn't think he was worthy. These children ARE worthy and they are someone's children. God created each of them and he has a family chosen for them. Could it be you? Maybe someone you know? Reach out in some way. Don't let the "spilled milk" in your life get in the way of doing something for someone else!!

You can help any of these children by clicking on their names and donating to them. (You can donate to Oscar at the top left of my blog.) You can help them by sharing their pictures and stories on Facebook, around your community, at your church, with your best friend, - whatever!! And if you donate ANY amount to Oscar today I will enter you in my giveaway for a Kindle Fire!!  Share the picture of any of these children today and I will enter you in my giveaway!! Scroll down for the rules. This giveaway ENDS tomorrow night December 11th!