Past Projects

Since childhood, I've enjoyed designing special projects like the character of Penny Sullivan did in Stepping Into Sunlight.

One year during Lent, I tried to do a secret good deed each day (it's harder than it sounds!). Another time, I set out to send a letter of gratitude to a different person each day during November (in honor of Thanksgiving).

As a wife and mom of four, I'm blessed with folks to whom it's easy to show love. But I still like the idea of challenging myself to reach out to new people in creative ways.

My local Christian radio station, KTIS, has been promoting something called "Drive Thru Difference" - where listeners are encouraged to pay for the person behind them at the drive-through as a surprise gift.

Have you ever participated in a special project like one of these in the past? What did you do? How was it received? Feel free to share ideas in the comments. And to join our Small Steps of Kindness Movement - leave a comment HERE, and I'll get you added to our list. During the month of September, we'll rock our world with small acts of love that God can multiply.

Blessings!

Sharon Hinck

Small Steps of Kindness

In the novel Stepping Into Sunlight, the character Penny Sullivan creates a plan in a little yellow notebook. She calls it "Penny's Project" and uses it to brainstorm ideas and also record small successes along the way.

As she struggles to heal from post-traumatic stress, she turns her gaze outward as much as she is able - and sets out to do a small act of kindness for a different person each day.

Some of her steps of kindness are spontaneous. When she's in a pet store and the clerk reaches out to her son, she makes a point to tell the manager how terrific the clerk was.

Others good deeds take planning - like collecting a small item for a member of her victim support group.

Some are common and familiar acts. She sends a card and note to a friend, or phones a family member to connect with them.

Others are new ventures - helping a neighbor put up a wallpaper border, or handing a Farecard to a stranger at a bus stop.

Let's begin sharing! Post kind acts you've offered, or ideas you plan to try HERE!

I'll compile comments from time to time and create a post of ideas on various themes.

Little Steps

Years ago, I lived in the Tidewater area of Virginia (where Stepping Into Sunlight, the novel, is set).

I was an exhausted grad student with a toddler and baby-on-the-way.

One day at the local grocery store, I was hurrying to grab a few things and get home in time to trade off the car with my hubby who would head off to one of his jobs (he was also in grad school). I reached for an orange, and several fell from the display, bouncing around my feet.

Embarrassed, I bent clumsily and tried to chase them down, fighting back tears because I was so exhausted, and the escaping oranges felt like the last straw.

"Ma'am, don't worry about it." A young stock-boy offered me grace with his friendly smile. "Happens all the time."

He waved me along and picked up after me. I never forgot that small act of kindness. He didn't know how tight my lungs had been feeling, how heavy my shoulders, how jangled my nerves. But he lifted my burden on a day I desperately needed it.

I realized that day that I underestimate the value of a small kind word, a simple act, a warm smile.

This site is all about celebrating ways to love others -- even strangers.

We'll be taking little steps, sharing the adventure, laughing over the attempts that fall flat, and watching to see what surprises God may have in store.

How about you? Has someone ever offered you a small act of kindness that touched your place of deep need? Post a comment here. Maybe some of us can duplicate the good deed!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Coming Soon:
Stepping Into Sunlight