Possessing additional campuses in New Mexico and Honduras, Tampa, Florida-based Hope Children’s Home (hopechildrenshome.org) educates children who have faced challenging life circumstances. Hope Children’s Home’s nurturing and caring approach to personal growth reflects a Christian identity that emphasizes the power of prayer and faith.
As explored in a Focus on the Family piece, it is essential to instill values that involve being a contributor rather than a passive observer or consumer. The latter attitude is one of entitlement and of expecting a reward for one’s actions. While rewards for a job well done may sometimes be justified, in excess they can foster an attitude that is self-serving, and does not feature concern for others. Rather, the emphasis is on one’s own wants and needs and how to maximize personal gain.
In contrast, contributors shift perspective from that which benefits themselves to that which benefits others. They accomplish tasks without expecting anything in return and focus on having a positive impact on those around them. This is exemplified in a Bible passage, Philippians 2:4, which reads, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”
Instilling values of contributing, rather than consuming, comes from taking time with kids to be thankful for what they have and looking for ways of proactively helping those around them. Through leading by example and emphasizing an attitude of gratitude, a contributor mindset becomes second nature.
