Our 2 week water-only challenge commenced yesterday morning with little fanfare or attention. Water cups lined the breakfast table, water glasses at lunch, water bottles appeared for Rachel's cheerleading game, and clear, cold water at my parents' house for supper. There was no complaining and no turning back. Well, there was a bit of an incentive offered the day before for one who wavered: the promise of milkshakes to celebrate when we are done.
When I asked Eric and the kids what they thought at the end of the day, the answer was unanimous: giving up drinking anything but water really wasn't a very big deal. Our thirst was quenched, our bellies were full (this is easier than fasting by far!), and our end goal was in mind: helping others have access to water, with which we are so freely blessed.
The kids were very interested to add up what we've saved so far. I was able to cut out our usual 3-4 bottles of Juicy Juice, one container of orange juice, and 2 gallons of milk. We also included the two cans of soda the kids usually buy at Saturday's basketball game. The grand total saved so far this week: $18.94. That's almost 19 dollars, and enough money to provide 19 people with clean water for a year.
It makes me wonder: what else could we do without to obtain the joy of helping others? How much does it really have to take to keep a family of five going? Will this end with giving up a few beverages for a few weeks? It seems such a small thing to do on behalf of others, when we serve One who gave up all things for us.
1 comment:
That's great! I love the milkshake celebration. :)
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