Sacrifices Made Good.

With the sacrifice jar that we've set up for Lent, the children have been wonderful. They've helped around the house without being asked, they help their siblings and give up things so others can have it.

Our big boy brought down the bag of dirty laundry for me this evening without being asked. That's never happened before.

Our little man offered his big brother a taste of his chicken katsu lunch even though he didn't have to.

The bigs read stories to their younger siblings and help them more than they usually do.

They let their siblings go ahead of them when waiting their turns to use the tap in the bathroom. 

At the end of each day, we have night prayer and give them a chance to reflect on their day and put in any final beans for good deeds/sacrifices they might have missed during the day.

This afternoon, the husband asked, "Can we keep the sacrifice jar going even after Lent?" 😂

That's how fruitful it's been (or is it "bean"?). No more threats or cajoling or nagging....a parent's dream, truly.

I think the beans have put a spotlight on kindness for the children and definitely given them incentive to find creative ways to be kind throughout the day. They have a tangible reason to think about someone other than themselves. For now, it's been a huge blessing and a joy to witness.

When they've done something good, we remind them to pop a bean into the jar. In turn, we've also had them say, "Mum (or dad), I really think you should put a bean in the jar today." These cuties.

We're at a point in life where we are enjoying the company and conversations we have with our children. We are incredibly blessed.