Are you like me? Sometimes I beat myself up for not helping enough. Why don’t I set the example for my children and help in our community more? Volunteer, give, donate my time? And, if you are like me, you may find it difficult to find a practical way to do such a thing with five children in tow – from teens to preschoolers.

So I’ll share with you the gentle answer the Lord gave me. It’s one simple way my children and I can help each and every holiday. Not just the usual Thanksgiving and Christmas. The calendar flipped to May and guess what we are doing?

Making pictures. Drawing. Creating. For Mother’s Day and Memorial Day.

But how does that help others, you ask? Well, all those beautiful creations my children come up with have a very special place. The hospital.

See, my aunt and my mother began this tradition years ago. Back when my grandfather frequented the local rehabilitation unit of the hospital. With each of his strokes, the staff taught him how to walk again, use his limbs, to talk. And while there, my mother and aunt noticed the dining area and how the patients looked forward to gathering there for meals.

So, they began decorating the hospital dining area each holiday. They spread out a fresh, colorful tablecloth. Maybe little American flags for Independence Day or a basket of eggs for Easter. They set the table with red and green plates at Christmas.

Here’s where we come in! Their decorations include children’s pictures displayed all around the table. Original artwork, signed with the child’s age. Or, sometimes, simple seasonal printables from a website.

That’s it. Our part. A practical way to help. In honor of a great-grandfather my children never knew. Patients whose faces we’ll never see.

And so, when the children pull out the paper and crayons and I have more pictures than I know what to do with… I smile.

Because He showed me how to bless. Right now. Right where we are.

What’s one simple, practical way you bless others?

-by Tricia, stacking up pictures at Hodgepodge.

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