The golden rule…do unto others..you get what you give…

We hear this message in so many different ways throughout our life. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine that it holds true because you don’t always get to be privy to what your act of kindness does for another person. I encourage you to just keep giving (NEMO is in the background on the TV for the 9 millionth time today- so I stole that from Dory, kind of).

I grew up with not a lot of material things at my fingertips. My mother was for all intents and purposes, a single parent with 4 kids and as the oldest, I have memories of a very dilapidated home. One that the toilet could at any moment fall through the floor. One that had no a/c and my Momma would say “go take a shower and turn on your fan” so I could go to bed a little damp and keep cool. By the way, a shower was her answer to EVERYTHING and I find myself telling my kids the same thing no matter what their ailment.

While our home lacked a lot of things, it did not lack love. It never lacked happiness and it 100% never fell short on helping anyone and everyone that needed it. The example that was set for me was unwavering. While my mother must have gone to bed at night with such a heavy mind, she ALWAYS had a smile on her face and a giving heart.

This contest means so much to me. If you haven’t heard about it yet, I am offering a room makeover for a child in need. I am asking the community to submit an email to sarah@willowsandrust.com along with a photo of the child, the child’s current room and the reason this child is your hero.

My Aunt told me a story the other day. When I was 11 years old, I didn’t have my own room. The one assigned to me was partly finished and had a lot of issues. My Mom decided that she wanted to gift me with a surprise and re-modeled my space. Mind you, it wasn’t a remodel like you would see on HGTV today- she was able to “buy” from a neighbor, very cheaply, an adorable matching bedroom set which I wish I still had today. She was able to paint the walls and place my things around. My Aunt came to see it and didn’t think it was all that HUGE, but I remember it so well. I remember my New Kids on the Block sheets and the poster my Mom hung for me, I remember the perfect little space, and even though it may not have been much to another eye, it was EVERYTHING to me.

As I sit here sobbing writing this, I want you to know that it means so much for me to be able to do this. I can’t wait to spoil the MESS out of this child and I encourage you to submit your story no matter how big or how small to me. You’ll be so glad you did.

Giving back is something that you will reap 10 fold. Pay ATTENTION. Watch for those small things you can do. There are opportunities everywhere to help, TAKE THEM. I plan to include my kids in this incredible project..teach our new generation the art of GIVING.

XOXO

Sarah and our FAMILY