Acts of Kindness - Change the World One Person At A Time!

We all live in this hustle bustle world and we all have a storyline that branches out like you see in a mature oak tree that has grown for hundreds of years.

Every person that you see driving, walking, attending, shopping, etc. has a story. Their trials and tribulations are impacting just as ours are to our daily endeavors. With all of those interactions, big and small, we have a microscopic opportunity, found in a fleeting moment, to change the course of that person's day, their feelings, emotions, etc. What if we were to, for that split second of encounter, make a difference with a kind word, a small gesture, a helping hand, an acknowledgement of caring, a second of our time to help or let someone know they are not invisable. What would our world look like if we all did that all the time, every day, and across the gender, race, religious, culture lines?

We can not change the world issues, trends, settings with a flip of a computer switch or because we tune in to a presedential speech or senate hearing. We elect people to make the changes and we hope they reflect what is right and just. The only thing we have control over is what our thoughts, actions, and choices are. God encourages us to spread the Word by our actions. Everyone feels that they must travel abroad on mission trips or volunteer hours in order for God to be proud of us. It isn't always the big things that impact lives but the encounters we have as Christians with others that can change the course of a day for someone. Showing others they have value by crossing the invisable comfort line can be the most impactful because we are touching an individual's life in a very personal way. It is one to one. It is making a difference by connecting with others if only for a brief moment. Try this in your life and see if it makes not only a difference with those we connect with, but for yourself as a Christian. Here are just a few ideas:

Help someone with their cart or order in a store. Those self service checkouts can be challenging and carts do not always roll especially in the ice and snow.

Open a door with a smile

Reach something high for someone, or lift something heavy for someone struggling

Sincerely tell someone that you appreciate what they are doing whether their job or doing something nice. Let them know you notice.

If someone is short a few cents...give it to them.

Gift card leftovers....save those with small balances and give to someone as they check out...the reaction is heart-warming!

Tell a stranger they look nice, or you like something they are wearing..or hairstyle or a great smile.

Sincerely thank someone for their acknowledgement of you....

The list is endless. It doesn't take money or time consuming energy to make someone's day. If we are truly His advocate, everyday finding someone to lift or help shows a Christian love and appreciation for our blessings that is suttle and representative of God's love for us.

Movies are a great escape if you are wanting to just exit your own thoughts and feelings for a bit. It is always good to pick a movie that is in contrast to what you are wishing to escape.

Tonight I saw New in Town. My friend and I decided it was time for a laugh and a giggle. Sitting in the theater with my legit bottle of water and a small bag of popcorn and she sitting with her little bottle of smuggled water and delicious candy bars. She dropped her bottle of water and tried to discreetly locate the bottle ....which didn't turn out to be an easy task. It went deep under her seat. Well...we got the giggles and soon, we started hearing other giggles that weren't us. I almost got my arm caught as I reached through the seat and found it just as I realized that I was in past my elbow which was now caught. It didn't last long but I can tell you that there was a moment of panic amidst the out of control laughter. She got her bottle of water in time to begin the movie.

This movie really showed a great example of diversity at its ugliest. There are many areas of the country that are small town and simple. We get so caught up in our high society standards that simplistic really spells boring and unexciting. The movie starring Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr. showed the evolution of those misplaced judgements and ideals. Humor was the catalyst for a very good message about being open and welcoming to people unlike yourself. Most of the characters were portrayed by unknowns but all filled in the story nicely with a wide range of personalities.

New in Town is a delightful movie and worth the ticket price. It also helps to start the occasion with a friend and lots of giggles.

From Outside The Fish Bowl

Alas....another year has rolled around for Lindsay. She hit the big 29 today. Her birthdays in the past have been somewhat skewed by events and happenings that evolved into the Lindsay Birthday Curse.

Today, however, I think the curse was banished. She received many wishes of love and best wishes, she had a gift of roses from her little man, and a party from her pals, all to celebrate the fact that she is!

Its been a tough year for this mom and her little girl as lots of transitions and changes have changed our paths many times over. She, still going through transitions, is strong and able to renavigate her way because of that strength. It is something a GPS system just cant' help me with, however. I can only speak from my point of view, but I can best describe it as once being in the fish bowl and now being on the outside looking in. It would be different if the view from the outside was bad and sad. I see a little family forming and a lot of happiness inside that fish bowl.

Thank you, GOD, for allowing me to raise your child these past 29 years. It has been an honor and now I know you are proud of the woman she has become. I know I am.

Happy Birthday Lindsay!