The Goggans: Learning to Give

For the second year, Avery's GA (Girls In Action) class at church has adopted a family to help this Christmas. Last year, I taught her 4th grade class and we found a single mom with 2 young boys to help out. I have a friend that I truly believe God brought into my life for this reason - to lead us to families that are hard-working, but are struggling and need some help. My friend works in a job where she sees families like this everyday, so when I asked her if we could help, she jumped at it. This year, she told us about a single Dad who is raising his 3 children - ages 9, 7 and 5. The Dad is a hard worker and has a job, but needs some help.

Avery's class was asked to do chores around their house to earn some money to go shopping for this family. Avery did chores at our house, as well as Gran's, to earn what she wanted to give. Her class turned in over $200 to shop for this family! So on Wednesday night, during their GA class, they took off to Walmart to do some special shopping. The group Avery was in shopped for the 7 year old boy and they found some great stuff. They tried to "get the most for their money" and I believe they did! As a parent, it was heartwarming to see the thought they put into each gift they chose.

A couple of us will deliver these things to this family in a few days. I hope they will see God through our giving. Avery went with me last year to take the presents to the mom we helped. She saw first-hand that there are people right here, in and around Tupelo, that don't have as much as most of us do. I wanted her to realize that. Realize there's a need out there, that God calls us to help and to serve, and to be very grateful for what we have. One of my many prayers for my kids is that they will grow to be giving adults. Hopefully, doing things like helping these families will be lasting memories in Avery's life. Memories that she will remember, and more importantly, carry on.

I know God will bless this special Dad and his kids. He already has - in many ways we'll never know about. I know too, that he will bless these girls for their giving spirits.

The girls with the gifts they picked out!