I had a book review to post today and I quickly finished reading the book this morning so I could post the review this afternoon. Before I wrote the review, I ran out to the mailbox to get the mail because receiving mail is one of my favorite things. When I opened our mailbox (like a ninja, mind you, to avoid coming in contact with the spider on top), I saw a lovely decorated envelope addressed to me. There was no return address, so I hurried inside to open it. When I read the contents of the sweet note, I felt so blessed. There was no name signed, but I was amazed that someone had taken the time to send such a sweet encouragement to me as a writer. So instead of sharing my book review today, the author of my mystery note has inspired me to instead write a little post about random acts of kindness. We live in the painful reality of a broken world, and sometimes true kindness is harder and harder to find. Yet we all know how wonderful it feels when we are the recipient of an act of kindness. So why don't we start showering the people around us with kindness today? I have decided to compile a short list of ten random acts of kindness that are so simple you can complete one or two of them even today! 1. Do an extra chore for a family member. Is it your sibling's turn to wash the dishes or take out the trash? Do it for them! But try your best to get it done before they notice. If my mom has gone out to water her flowers, I will pay attention to that and hurry to go make her bed for her before she comes back inside. 2. Send a "Thinking of you!" text to a friend you haven't chatted with in a long time. I love receiving these from friends and I make it a point to send them as often as I'm able. It takes less than fifteen second just to type, "Thought of you today! Praying for you!" But it could make that person's day so much brighter. 3. Send a surprise note in the mail. It doesn't have to be long and you don't even have to go all out with decorating the envelope if you don't have time. But take a card or piece of paper and just write out a short encouragement. Maybe it's a Bible verse you write or a little prayer, but share something encouraging and then send it off on its way to encourage the recipient! 4. Pray for someone you know is going through a hard time. I think one of the most special blessings in life is having friends who go to God in prayer for you, even when you don't realize it. The person you're praying for doesn't even need to know you did, but God hears. Pray for His blessing on your person today. 5. Give a compliment to every cashier, waitress, or store worker that you come in contact with. Do you have to run to the grocery store quickly? Going to dinner? Need to buy shoes before Sunday? Working in retail now and having worked in restaurants in the past, I know how hard that kind of work can be. A simple, "Your smile lights up this place!" or "Hope you're having a great day so far!" or "Thank you for being so friendly," can really go a long way. 6. Slip a little note into your parent's or sibling's Bible. Stick it next to your favorite verse and just say something short and sweet like, "I love you!" or "You're the best." 7. Text a friend and set up a lunch date. Tell them you've thought of them today and ask if they're available to hang out soon to talk about Jesus and eat some yummy food! If your close friends don't live near you, set up a video chat lunch date. I've done this before and we've still had just as much fun sitting at home eating our lunches and chatting over FaceTime. 8. Bake something extra for your neighbors. Are you baking any treats today? Maybe making a special casserole or dish? Cupcakes (because cupcakes are always a good idea)? Make just a little bit extra than you normally would and package it up and run it over to your neighbors! I'm sure it'll be a pleasant surprise in their day. 9. See a need? Meet it. Don't wait to be asked. If you overhear someone mentioning a need they have--whatever it may be--and you're more than able to help out, do so! Jump in and get it done. 10. Smile. Your smile could light up your world, friend. Let it. Let the light of Jesus shine through your smile as you give it to everyone today--even the hard ones. Let's light up this world with a little bit extra kindness today. And confetti. (Because confetti is super fun when it is thrown around virtually and you don't have to clean it up.) Are you with me? What sort of random acts of kindness do you like to do? What acts of kindness have you shown today?
14 Comments
Bella Morganthal
8/8/2018 01:38:51 pm
I like that one too :)
Reply
7/27/2018 03:00:16 pm
Wow, that's so neat you received that, Bella! I loved this post so much, encouraging and brightening people's days is something I am very passionate about! I loved all of your ideas! Some of the ways I enjoy spreading kindness is through the mail (hehe), ecards, prayers, smiles, etc! :) I loved all of your ideas! :)
Reply
Bella Morganthal
8/8/2018 01:39:29 pm
And also something you are very good at, dear! <3 Thanks for sharing your ideas! :)
Reply
Anna
7/28/2018 07:57:07 pm
I loved reading this post, Bella!! These are great ideas! :) I can't wait to try #6! Thank you for writing this post! You inspired me in many ways! :)
Reply
Bella Morganthal
8/8/2018 01:39:57 pm
Thanks so much, Anna! :)
Reply
Fantastic ideas!! I couldn't do some of these this past week (for example, sending a note or doing a chore) since I was away at camp, but I was able to do a couple things and also thought about some other ways I could bless people during the week!
Reply
Bella Morganthal
8/8/2018 01:41:00 pm
That's so awesome Grace to hear! Thank you so much for sharing! You're such an encouragement <3
Reply
Martha Joy
7/30/2018 04:42:50 pm
Bella, thank you so much for this beautiful post! It's such a good reminder today, to seek out ways to bless those in my life! You have been a bright light in my life, dear friend, by blessing me with sweet notes and your love. Keep shining for Jesus! ♥ Oh, and you ready? ***throws bunches of confetti*** :) :) :) :) :)
Reply
Bella Morganthal
8/8/2018 01:41:55 pm
Aw, Martha Joy, I love you so much!! You too, dear girl :) *catches the confetti with much delight and smiles* :)
Reply
Josie N.
7/31/2018 09:13:45 am
Wow, this article exactly what I needed today, Thank you so much, Isabella!
Reply
Bella Morganthal
8/8/2018 01:42:26 pm
Thanks so much for commenting, Josie!
Reply
Rachael
8/2/2018 04:55:39 pm
I love this, Bella!!!! <3
Reply
Bella Morganthal
8/8/2018 01:42:44 pm
Thanks, dear! <3
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
October 2019
Categories |