There are times to step back, take an inventory of what we have - and be thankful.
We all have times where, even for just a moment, we realize there is a lot to be thankful for. In times like these our work and daily grind become less intense and we are able to put things into perspective for a bit.
Unfortunately, this happens when we are reminded that we live in a temporary world where bad things can happen to good people without notice. They happen in a crisis. They are also most prevalent when they happen close to home.
For folks here in Colorado we just had such a reminder:
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Math teacher called `hero' for tackling gunman in Colorado school shooting
http://bit.ly/9CW1VN
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What do we do?
When faced with situations like this, we can surely write laws and create rules and count on Government and such to protect us. We can improve the mental health system and better predict 'at risk' individuals in some way. We can do all sorts of these technical things. But what we are really given in these moments is a chance to strengthen our connection with our children. We want to create some extra 'true moments' with our kids and in times of these reminders we get our chance.
If you have children you know how. You have done it already. How so? Well, you do things just different enough to make them special. Just enough to make the children feel that they are special. Instead of simply stating 'I love you' as you walk past each other, stop, put your finger to their chin, lift their heads and look into their eyes as you proclaim:
'I love you more than anything in the entire universe!' in a soft and caring voice.
This can be repeated many times in many different ways. Simple changes, deliberate changes where a connection is made that gets across the point that you and your family are in it together. Sit with them for a minute where you wouldn't otherwise have done so. Play with them the next time they interrupt you while cooking. Just do something. Do anything that you can to knowingly offer them a connection that you wouldn't have had otherwise. Something that breaks daily routine for the sake of a one-on-one shared second or two.
Join me in creating a shared and personal connection with your children today - in any way you can. It is what each and every one of can do in response to bad news and eventually perhaps, we'll be able to offer this special love and support naturally when things are going great.
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Jay Moneta is the Vice President of Believe Kids Fundraising and can be found on Twitter - twitter.com/BelieveKids as well as via comment, feedback or suggestion via this blog. If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe or share the address of this blog www.Fundraising-Advice.com
Thank you for looking!
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