Acts of kindness

I have challenged my kids to something this week. Maybe you've heard this too many times before, perhaps it's become cliche. But when was the last time you tried to bless someone with a completely random act of kindness? I'm assuming you're like the rest of us. Don't you enjoy the smallest of things in life? God wants us to love each other deeply, offer hospitality, and use our gifts to bless others. Let me tell you what that has meant to my little ones this week. Here are some things they've come up with to bless others:

1-color a picture for the church secretary

2-give an apple to the school teacher

3-make a point of saying hi to the shy girl in class

4-asking boys at the bus stop to shoot baskets before school

5-stopping and chatting with the somewhat grumpy neighbor

6-set the table for mom without any provocation

7-help put up groceries

8- made a card for a sick boy from Sunday School

Here are some things I have done this past week:

1-given a card to a hurting friend

2-given candy to cheer someone up

3-made a CD for a friend who needs to hear uplifting messages

4-sent a funny e-card to someone I've lost touch with

5-slowed down and listened to someone who really, really needed it

These may not seem special at all. But these are things our family has a heart for. What do you have a heart for? Are you a good cook? Are you a good cleaner? Do you knit? Do you sing and dance? I don't know what things God has blessed you with. I challenge you to find a way to make someone's day a little bit brighter. I promise you that random acts of kindness never get old. The phrase may be cliche. But the heart of it will never be.

Today I challenge you to be ONE DAY BETTER at showing kindness.

1 Peter 4:8-10

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.