Do you ever take the time to really look at the people around you? Are they happy? Today I was at the grocery store and really slowed down and made myself be in the moment. Usually I am rushed, focused, and couldn't tell you if there was really anybody in the store besides me. Some would say, that is just life. How much are we really missing?
My quest today was to make eye contact with everyone in the grocery store, smile, and say hello. So simple yet some of the reactions can be unexpected. I had a few scowls, I guess they were having a bad day and nothing was going to change that. Some were surprised. People really don't take the time to spread humanity too often I guess. I am glad to report that I received a whole lot of smiles and many hellos. I wish I would have counted just how many people I smiled at today. After you do this for awhile you get a permament smile instead of a permament frown.
Smile on everyone!!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Day 6, June 23, 2010
Today's random act of kindness didn't cost anything and didn't take up any large amount of time. This has to do with the dreaded sanitation workers. Yes, those of you who live in Morehead will probably relate. Since I work during the day, 10 months out of the year, I am saved from witnessing the collection of trash. I often come home from work to the aftermath. Trash cans flung some where, hopefully my yard, often not. Now I know, it is just trash cans but I have witnessed mine and my neighbors trash cans being hit and run over by automobiles, trucks, and an occassional tractor. Yes, a tractor. So.......today I saved my neighbor's trash cans from certain destruction. I am sure they will be thankful. Trash cans aren't cheap people.
Stay cool everybody.
Stay cool everybody.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Day 5, June 22, 2010
This day started as a bummer. Someone I am so fond of received an answer to prayer and it wasn't what we all were praying for. I immediately went to scripture to help her. I had this book recommended to our church by our pastor and it was exactly what I needed to be able to encourage her. I sent her one of the strongest scriptures for dealing with the loss of a dream that I could find. I don't believe this dream is dead I just believe the Lord wants her to realize this in a different season. Thank you Pastor Daniel for recommending it. The book is Praying God's Word by Beth Moore. The subtitle is Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds. It is a gem. Each chapter is dedicated to overcoming a different stronghold you might encounter in your life. Included is scriptures to help you through. Awesome!!
I was needing this random act today to give me a bright spot. I realize not every day can be all sunshine and rainbows but I set out to find some. God just cracks me up. I felt I was lead by Jesus to Taco Bell. Don't laugh. Today everyone in my family was either working or out and about so I was home alone. This can be awesome but with empty nest syndrome just around the corner it was lonely today. Back to Taco Bell. I decided how cool would it be for me to pay for the order from the car behind me. This had to be God, right? No car came behind me. OK maybe right now was not the time. I have to run errands a little later so I will try another food establishment. The time had arrived and I was all ready to brighten someone's day. The restaurant of choice was Dairy Queen. There are always cars at DQ. Guess what? Nobody pulled up behind. Well I just laughed when I was paying. So God, is this not something you want me to do? Laughing hysterically. By now, I am determined to pay for someone's food!! McDonalds? This time I went inside. Low and behold my daughter and several of her friends had stopped there after returning from the lake. I sneeked up on them, said Boo, and how about a round of ice cream cones? They were surprised and loved it but it also gave me a chance to witness and encourage random acts of kindness.
Today was all about not knowing exactly what the day will hold but if you put your life in the Lord's hands you will always end up where He needs and wants you.
I was needing this random act today to give me a bright spot. I realize not every day can be all sunshine and rainbows but I set out to find some. God just cracks me up. I felt I was lead by Jesus to Taco Bell. Don't laugh. Today everyone in my family was either working or out and about so I was home alone. This can be awesome but with empty nest syndrome just around the corner it was lonely today. Back to Taco Bell. I decided how cool would it be for me to pay for the order from the car behind me. This had to be God, right? No car came behind me. OK maybe right now was not the time. I have to run errands a little later so I will try another food establishment. The time had arrived and I was all ready to brighten someone's day. The restaurant of choice was Dairy Queen. There are always cars at DQ. Guess what? Nobody pulled up behind. Well I just laughed when I was paying. So God, is this not something you want me to do? Laughing hysterically. By now, I am determined to pay for someone's food!! McDonalds? This time I went inside. Low and behold my daughter and several of her friends had stopped there after returning from the lake. I sneeked up on them, said Boo, and how about a round of ice cream cones? They were surprised and loved it but it also gave me a chance to witness and encourage random acts of kindness.
Today was all about not knowing exactly what the day will hold but if you put your life in the Lord's hands you will always end up where He needs and wants you.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Day 4, June 21, 2010
This revolution is only four days old and I have been blessed more than I can ever express. Do you remember when you were young and you couldn't wait for the next day. I have that feeling again. As we get older we lose that anticipation and it feels so good to feel excited for the next day! Who would think that something so simplistic could have such a profound affect. God did. If only we would just listen and follow.
Today's act of kindness has to do with an organization that I too often have to call for one of my students, DOVES. Doves is the domestic violence shelter. Often these families don't have time to pack clothes let alone personal, familiar items. Today, I packed up a box of games, stuffed animals, and items that I hope can make their stay a little less traumatic. Instead of delivering them to the shelter, we are asked to drop them off at the police station so unfortunately I don't have a response to post but I know how appreciative they are for any help and donation.
I pray daily about where God would like me to go next and he always answers. To God be the glory.
Today's act of kindness has to do with an organization that I too often have to call for one of my students, DOVES. Doves is the domestic violence shelter. Often these families don't have time to pack clothes let alone personal, familiar items. Today, I packed up a box of games, stuffed animals, and items that I hope can make their stay a little less traumatic. Instead of delivering them to the shelter, we are asked to drop them off at the police station so unfortunately I don't have a response to post but I know how appreciative they are for any help and donation.
I pray daily about where God would like me to go next and he always answers. To God be the glory.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
I can't praise the Lord enough for the blessings he has bestowed upon me. A wonderful family and loving husband who has to ask himself what have I got myself into.
Kindness fever is beginning to hit my busy teenagers. Today, my daughters got in on the act. We often make work friends, really good friends who we lose track of when we don't see them every day. I encourage everyone to contact a friend you have lost touch with this week. Even if it is just dropping in the mail a handwritten note. OK, so back to the main event. Pam, 50th Birthday!! Woo Hoo!! sneek attack. For some of you this might not seem like an act of kindness but I believe Pam will get a kick out of it. She has been away today spending the day with her father. While she has been away the girls and I snuck over to her house and randomly placed 100 forks in her yard and a big birthday banner across her front window. Each of those forks represents a hug to the recipient! Who couldn't use 100 hugs?
HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY PAM!!100 hugs
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Day 2, June 19, 2010
Day 2-June 19, 201
Today I decided to share something I love with a random person. My husband and I both love gardening and couldn't wait till we had a house and yard to decorate in beauty. For my husband it means a connection to his mother that is deceased. For me, I love the beauty and the happiness it brings to others. Often people stop and tell us how much they enjoy looking at our yard. Once we had a mother and her children stop and ask permission to sit and draw our garden.
Today's act of kindness was a no brainer. At first Ithought I would sit outside and the first person who made a comment on the yard would be the recipient of my next act of kindness. Too hot, so I made a bright yellow sign, big FREE letters and a short explanation of why I was giving this bountiful, beauty away. An hour went by. Lots of looks but no takers. I didn't give up. Lord, please send just the right person who is in need of an act of kindness to wander past. At 9:15, two hours after I put outside it has found a home.
This revolution is already changing the way I look at life and humanity. I feel closer to God and to my family. I can't wait to see what the next day brings.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Act of Kindness #1-June 18, 2010
For the last few years I have integrated Random Acts of Kindness to my curriculum in order to start students thinking about how we communicate and show empathy to others. Recently my good gal pal Lea Ann began the Random Acts of Kindness movement with her children. There is no time like the present to make this revolution a part of my daily life, so here it goes......
Day 1.....as a mother, I know the significance of chocolate chip cookies to ease worry and cure the blues. I have adopted into my heart one of my former students. I am so proud of her accomplishments and support her dreams. She wants to have a baby and has been through a few rounds of invitro. Last Friday was her latest attempt. Of course now she endures nightly injections and worries with every ache and pain until that positive pregnancy test. Besides my daily prayers I baked home made chocolate chip cookies and delivered them to her at work. She said I made her day but really she made my day. I always wish I could take away every problem and make everything better but if that were the case, I would be Jesus Christ. I believe for the time being, I will a pair of loving hands delivering the love of my savior Jesus Christ.
Day 1.....as a mother, I know the significance of chocolate chip cookies to ease worry and cure the blues. I have adopted into my heart one of my former students. I am so proud of her accomplishments and support her dreams. She wants to have a baby and has been through a few rounds of invitro. Last Friday was her latest attempt. Of course now she endures nightly injections and worries with every ache and pain until that positive pregnancy test. Besides my daily prayers I baked home made chocolate chip cookies and delivered them to her at work. She said I made her day but really she made my day. I always wish I could take away every problem and make everything better but if that were the case, I would be Jesus Christ. I believe for the time being, I will a pair of loving hands delivering the love of my savior Jesus Christ.
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