Compassion is led

"Compassion is led, not bred. We must take our children by the hand and lead them down a path of empathy because giving equates to growth and kindheartedness." - Cristine Phillipps Arnold.

A key objective for our Mite Team is to encourage and facilitate the generational aspects of giving. People do not become generous without intentional effort. Compassion is not genetic. It is not passed from parent to child through DNA. A giving heart develops through observation, inspiration, engagement, and practice.

People who never observe compassion will not gravitate toward it themselves. Generous people play an essential role in displaying lives of compassion, service, and giving so that others may learn and imitate such attitudes. These individuals are signal fires that beckon others to live in the same manner.

The learned aspect of compassion makes it vital for families to share in acts of charity, both within the family and toward others. Whether donating to a favorite organization, serving a soup kitchen, or simply giving a coat away to a homeless person on the street, an act of kindness is a statement to loved ones. Compassion exemplified before a spouse or children becomes a proclamation of the importance of charity in one's life!

Unfortunately, the above statement requires a qualification. Charity, or a show of compassion, done for people's commendation, is not real charity and may become a negative influence in others' lives. People perceive such actions for what they are - selfish and self-serving. However, individuals who show compassion, with no desire for acknowledgement, become powerful examples of how giving can endow lives with joy and purpose. Parents who display charity to their children in a selfless manner can impact their heritage for generations.

To whose benefit? Here is the beautiful thing! In God's infinite wisdom and understanding, the charitable transaction benefits all who are involved - the Giver, the Recipient, and the Spectator. All benefit from positive transformation. However, it may be the inspired spectator of charity who benefits the greatest. That person starts a journey of greater purpose, expanded horizons, deeper connections, and experiences in the joy of giving. Every person would earnestly seek the same journey if only they understood the great blessing gained through showing compassion. Let's encourage our loved ones to secure such blessings by living a charitable life.

At Mite, we love helping givers and their families unite and grow in charity. Our Family Giving Program includes well-researched, compelling projects and high-quality media and reporting that will engage family members of all ages. If we can help you engage future generations in your family's charitable giving, contact us.