Lessons from a child

Several weeks ago, Caroline and her friends got a hankering to collect money for charity. They chose three recipients--one girl's daddy was running in a race for breast cancer, a seminary staff member's house had burned and there was a collection being taken, and good will. They constructed boxes to be placed in all the apartment stair wells complete with signs explaining what they were doing and who would receive the money. They asked everyone they saw. Most people threw in coins--you'd be amazed at how it added up.

Each girl became responsible for delivering the money to the appropriate place. Caroline got good will. Fast forward three weeks----

Caroline asked me to take her to Good Will to deliver the money. Good will is not on my beaten path, so I've been putting her off. The other day we were driving and I suggested to Caroline that instead of giving the money to good will, perhaps we could donate it to the Karen refugees a ministry through our church. I thought this was a brilliant idea as Caroline has given some of her clothes and toys already. Plus she's met some of these children when they attended Bible School. I convinced myself I was trying to help her make a connection but honestly, it would also be easier for me.

Caroline said, "That's a great idea Mommy, and I know they could use it. I'll have to start another charity drive because when I collected this money I told the people it would be going to Good Will and it wouldn't be right to change that without their knowing."