Blogmas -- Day 17

Hello friends!  Welcome to Blogmas Day -- 17!  How privileged, I am, that you stopped in!

Today, let's talk about kindness.  This world needs kindness...actually, it is desperate for a little kindness.  We need it all the time but Christmas, especially, should be the time that we show kindness.  Oh, trust me, I know it is difficult to show kindness in these ridiculously chaotic times, but we all sure are looking for a little kindness...aren't we?  Well, I'm a firm believer that if you want someone to show you kindness then you should be the first one to start!  

With all the stress of the holidays and the expense of living, everyone is struggling.  Not just monetarily but in spirit so many are losing hope.  So many have nobody to just give them a kind word or a simple smile.  Have you looked at people's faces in Walmart?  No one is smiling including me, some days.  I have to make a conscience effort to not look like I am going to rip somebody's head off...I'm not kidding.  I have always had that face that says, "Go ahead...test me!".  It's inherited.  So yeah, it is an effort, in general, to not look like that but with all the stuff going on in my life, I really have to work at it.  Anyhow, that is not really the point but like I said, we are all dealing with something so if a little bit of kindness will help someone have a better day, shouldn't we be trying? 

I have five random acts of kindness that I think are very doable but might take a bit of effort but you can come up with a few that are so simple even a child can do them.  I guarantee, you will feel blessed for doing it!

RAK's for Christmas

  1.  Rather than buying coffee for someone behind you at Starbucks, buy a warm drink and a sandwich for someone living on the streets.  That person behind you has the money for their own order or they wouldn't be at Starbuck's.

  2. Take a small gift to an elderly neighbor who likely will spend the holidays alone. Better yet, invite them to your holiday celebration. You could buy a lovely box of tea, grab one of the hundreds of mugs you have, in the cabinet, that never gets used, wrap it up in pretty paper and take it to that neighbor. Instead of just dropping it off, why don't you take a few minutes and visit with him/her? You just don't know how that will lift someone up. To let them know someone does, indeed, care.

  3.  Gather all the old towels and blankets that you were going to throw away and take them to an animal shelter or rescue.  Make sure they aren't worn completely out.  If you don't have old stuff, then stop by a thrift store and buy some.  Most of the time those things don't cost very much.  How about making a donation when you drop off the things or sign up to volunteer.  You might just find yourself a new buddy!

  4.  You know that cashier at the convenience store or grocery store on Christmas Eve or even Christmas Day?  You know the one that had to pull a shift because you and I inevitably will forget something to make our holiday meal?  Or the one who is pulling an extra shift so he or she can buy their own children gifts or fix a meal for them...perhaps that person is like I once was.  Scraping by and doing everything they can just to provide, including working rather than being home and spending the holiday with their children?   Maybe that cashier is elderly and trying to make Social Security stretch a little further so they can have their medicine and food this month.  Hand that person a gift card to show that you appreciate them and that you care.  It's such a small thing but can go a very long way in making a difference.  

  5. And don't forget your delivery people and trash men! Again, it doesn't take much but even a bottle of water and a bag of chips will let them know you appreciate them for getting your packages and trash taken care of. I have personally seen the look of thanks on my mailman's face because I handed him a bottle of water on a very hot day.

You see, it really doesn't take much to make a difference in people's lives.  Just someone showing a tiny bit of kindness can make someone realize that life isn't so bad.  

You know, that thing that seems so small just might make someone who is thinking of ending it all, change their mind.  I've seen it happen.  Something that we take for granted may be that lifeline they needed to hang on.  Listen to the Lord and let Him lead you to that person.  

Thank you, so much, for reading this.  I hope it made you think of some small things to make someone's day a bit brighter...Your day may be the one that becomes a bit more bright and happy.

Please leave a comment below!  It tickles me pink to read those!

Grace & Peace,

Pam