The same is true for almost everything we try to teach our children. I can tell you from personal experience that if your child sits beside you daily as you drive 70 mph on the freeway, when it's their turn to drive on the freeway, 70 mph is probably how fast they will drive. No matter how often you tell them to slow down. I can also tell you from personal experience that their driving habits will change when they pay for their first traffic ticket.
Our children learn by watching us and from their own experiences. That's why I encourage you to let your children see you prayerfully consider what your 2023 pledge will be. I'm not saying share the number with them, but simply let them in on the decision-making process. Let them see how you decide what God is calling you to give back. Talk about what you value about your St. Andrew’s community and show them how you support it.
And, most importantly, please bring them to the Ingathering this Sunday. The Ingathering is an experience of what it means to be One in Christ. Let them join you in delivering your pledge envelope (even if you have already pledged online, bring up an envelope to show support). Show them the community you help create at St. Andrew’s comes together once a year to renew our support for each other and the life-giving work that happens here. Live out your values in front of them, so they can live into their own.
