Lessons from Little House

I've written before about the powerful effect Little House can have on childhood. This post expresses some of the same sentiments. But she asks an important question: I have a difficult time understanding where taking care of one's own (extended) family fits with Catholic ideals of generosity and charitable giving. Is giving to one's family being charitable?

I'm no expert in Catholic social thought either, but I definitely consider taking care of own's own family (extended or otherwise) to be our first field of ministry and most obvious place for charity. It can also be more difficult to give to the "cause" chosen for you in your family than it is to give to the cause you choose. Sometimes, the hard thing is the best thing. What say you?

HT:Melanie