Two weeks ago, I ask readers to do just ONE thing - something simple - to spread hope, peace joy and love during this busy holiday time. You can read that post Here. This has been great exercise for me. Over the past two weeks, I have been more cognizant of opportunities to show kindness and spread a little hope. I have also been on the lookout for what others are doing. It has been heartwarming and I cannot wait to hear your stories!!
I'll start by sharing some things my family has done:
1) When I first wrote the post, I asked my daughters to help me come up with some ideas. Out of that brainstorming session, we decided to take hot chocolate to the teachers at their elementary school who were standing out in the cold to supervise carpool drop-off in the mornings. The girls were so excited about doing this. They thought about which teachers would be out side, which girl would give a cup to which teacher, and what they would say. The teachers were so happy to get the hot chocolate! They told the girls how nice it was and thanked them over and over. My youngest said, "She gave me a big hug and and said thank you, thank you, thank you!" Not only did it bring joy to the teachers, it brought joy to my girls. So much, in fact, that we have done a couple more times!
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| Sorry for the blurry iPhone pics! |
2) I do a bible study with a group of wonderful women from or church. Recently, the pastor who leads our group was made aware of a single mom who has three children, one with special needs. Sadly, they had been living without electricity and, therefore, without heat for three weeks. I won't go into detail, but suffice to say there were domestic issues involved and this mother, who does work, was struggling to get by. Another church member had asked if there was any way the church could help. those in my study group who were able gave whatever donations we could and, with the help of discretionary funds from the church, this family has heat and electricity again.
3) When a new student arrived in my daughter's class this week, she noticed he didn't have any school supplies. She asked if she could take him some pencils and three-ring binder we had sitting on a shelf. She told me yesterday that she has also been sharing a snack with him each day because he doesn't bring one. I'll be putting an extra snack in her bag from now on. She requested these items and has shared her snack simply out of the goodness of her heart with no promoting from anyone else. That makes my heart so very proud and happy.
3) When a new student arrived in my daughter's class this week, she noticed he didn't have any school supplies. She asked if she could take him some pencils and three-ring binder we had sitting on a shelf. She told me yesterday that she has also been sharing a snack with him each day because he doesn't bring one. I'll be putting an extra snack in her bag from now on. She requested these items and has shared her snack simply out of the goodness of her heart with no promoting from anyone else. That makes my heart so very proud and happy.
You may have also seen this video as it has been circulating the internet. If not, watch it. You will smile, I'm sure.
There is so much more we could do. In fact, there is always something we can do. Even if it's just a giving a smile to the person you pass in the parking lot or saying "Have a great day!" to the cashier at the store. Big or small, it all make a difference to someone!
So, what have you done?? If you are a blogger and have a post (new or old) with a story, link it up below! If you are not a blogger or haven't had time to write up your story, just leave it in a comment below. There is also a thread on my Facebook page where you can share a comment. It would also be great if you shared this post using #justdoONEthing, so others can come offer their stories as well. (My original goal was to have 50 stories in linkups, comments, and on Facebook combined. Think we can do it????)
