I've had such fun in the past few months hearing from readers of Stepping Into Sunlight.
Folks with some painful challenges are reaching out to show love to others. Serving others from their place of brokenness. Moving toward hope and healing.
The character of Penny Sullivan is being joined by many other "Pennys."
Please feel free to keep sharing your ideas for small acts of love here at this blog: little steps of kindness, creative ways to reach out, experiences you've had with Penny's Project.
Leave a comment during January at THIS POST about your experiences, and you'll be entered to win a free copy of Stepping Into Sunlight to give to a friend!
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Showing posts with label Random Acts of Kindness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random Acts of Kindness. Show all posts
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Friday, September 26, 2008
Keep Noticing
I want to take a moment to thank all the brave and kind souls who joined Penny's Project this month and set about doing some small steps of kindness.
Some participated once a week, others set a goal to do something new each day.
I've discovered that in the process of looking for ways to share a kindness, I've been noticing people more--watching for possible needs, paying attention to the kindnesses given to me.
I'll be hitting the road soon for a lengthy booktour, but if you drop by while I'm gone, feel free to read the past posts and the comments from other creative folks who've contributed great ideas to Penny's Project.
And if you still need more ideas, grab a copy of Stepping Into Sunlight (the novel that inspired Penny's Project).
Let's all keep noticing others and offering them the "widow's mite" - the penny's worth of love that seems so tiny, but can be so profound when God multiplies it.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Some participated once a week, others set a goal to do something new each day.
I've discovered that in the process of looking for ways to share a kindness, I've been noticing people more--watching for possible needs, paying attention to the kindnesses given to me.
I'll be hitting the road soon for a lengthy booktour, but if you drop by while I'm gone, feel free to read the past posts and the comments from other creative folks who've contributed great ideas to Penny's Project.
And if you still need more ideas, grab a copy of Stepping Into Sunlight (the novel that inspired Penny's Project).
Let's all keep noticing others and offering them the "widow's mite" - the penny's worth of love that seems so tiny, but can be so profound when God multiplies it.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Day 23 - Matchmaking
Years ago, two friends and I dressed in peasant garb and sang Fiddler on the Roof songs for a show. I still love the song, "Matchmaker."
And I love to make matches.
At a recent conference I met many new people, and if I learned something about the new friend that fit with someone else I already knew, I tried to help them find each other.
There's a wonderful joy in creating webs of relationships.
In "Stepping Into Sunlight," Penny helps weave some interconnections between her child's school, the store-front mission in the neighborhood, and the members of her support group.
Think about the people you know.
Is there a single mom who would love to be introduced to a great car mechanic who will give her a fair price for an oil change? Is there a harried mom needing that reliable teen that you know who could babysit? Is there a friend who loves to quilt who would love to connect with the sewing circle at your church?
See if you can find a match to make for your step of kindness today!
His,
Sharon Hinck
And I love to make matches.
At a recent conference I met many new people, and if I learned something about the new friend that fit with someone else I already knew, I tried to help them find each other.
There's a wonderful joy in creating webs of relationships.
In "Stepping Into Sunlight," Penny helps weave some interconnections between her child's school, the store-front mission in the neighborhood, and the members of her support group.
Think about the people you know.
Is there a single mom who would love to be introduced to a great car mechanic who will give her a fair price for an oil change? Is there a harried mom needing that reliable teen that you know who could babysit? Is there a friend who loves to quilt who would love to connect with the sewing circle at your church?
See if you can find a match to make for your step of kindness today!
His,
Sharon Hinck
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Day 22 -A Small Gift
I recently attended a major writer's conference. I had a full schedule of teaching and meetings, and was getting over some health issues and was battling exhaustion.
One morning, a friend found me and gave me a little tin of mints - personalized with my name on it. It was such a special pick-me-up - especially because when she was in the store that carried these, she had to twirl that rack of mints and look for my name to find this. I felt so REMEMBERED and thought of and loved.
Later, a friend gave me her hotel room key (I was staying off-site) and said, "Go up and take a nap if you need a break. Use my room." I can't express what a treasure that was to me.
Then at a banquet, another friend gave me a card and a box of luxurious mints. Her words sang to me, and of course chocolate is ALWAYS a brilliant way to make someone feel loved.
I'm planning to look for a way to give a thoughtful small gift today. Will you try that with me? I don't think my friends had any idea what their gifts meant to me and how they kept me going when I was weary. We may never know how our gifts lift the heart of a friend. But let's do it and trust it might just be the blessing they need.
His,
Sharon Hinck
One morning, a friend found me and gave me a little tin of mints - personalized with my name on it. It was such a special pick-me-up - especially because when she was in the store that carried these, she had to twirl that rack of mints and look for my name to find this. I felt so REMEMBERED and thought of and loved.
Later, a friend gave me her hotel room key (I was staying off-site) and said, "Go up and take a nap if you need a break. Use my room." I can't express what a treasure that was to me.
Then at a banquet, another friend gave me a card and a box of luxurious mints. Her words sang to me, and of course chocolate is ALWAYS a brilliant way to make someone feel loved.
I'm planning to look for a way to give a thoughtful small gift today. Will you try that with me? I don't think my friends had any idea what their gifts meant to me and how they kept me going when I was weary. We may never know how our gifts lift the heart of a friend. But let's do it and trust it might just be the blessing they need.
His,
Sharon Hinck
Friday, September 12, 2008
Day 12 - Common Courtesies
Courtesy isn't so "common" these days - but, wow, can it make a difference.
Yesterday a visitor to the blog shared a beautiful story in her comment about how strangers reached out in little ways and made a difference during a challenging day.
Today, let's all look for an opportunity to hold a door for someone, let someone else get in the elevator first, or offer to hold a crying baby so the mom can dig through her bag for a binky. Let's step back and gesture to someone that they can go ahead of us in line at the bank or grocery store.
Even if you spend most of the day at home, see if you can find a way to offer extra courtesy to others in your family. Then please share your ideas!
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Yesterday a visitor to the blog shared a beautiful story in her comment about how strangers reached out in little ways and made a difference during a challenging day.
Today, let's all look for an opportunity to hold a door for someone, let someone else get in the elevator first, or offer to hold a crying baby so the mom can dig through her bag for a binky. Let's step back and gesture to someone that they can go ahead of us in line at the bank or grocery store.
Even if you spend most of the day at home, see if you can find a way to offer extra courtesy to others in your family. Then please share your ideas!
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Day 10 - Get Your Hands Dirty
In my pre-September warm-up posts, I shared about my daughter picking up litter in a movie theatre parking lot, and the story of the nun at a retreat who wiped up the bathroom to leave it nicer than the way she found it.
I think that perhaps because of being a homemaker for so many years, and the inevitable extra "clean up after others" work that goes along with that, it's easy for me to tune out when I hear that gentle nudge. After all, I have spent years picking up for others.
But no matter how many of our daily chores revolve around leaving a space better than how we found it, we can still reach out and do a little something extra. Will it be noticed? Perhaps not! But that's part of the fun.
Go for a walk today and pick up some litter. Or tidy the breakroom at work (when no one is around to notice who did it). Or vacuum your spouses car and shake out the floor mats.
Or share some other ideas you have!
Blessings!
Sharon
I think that perhaps because of being a homemaker for so many years, and the inevitable extra "clean up after others" work that goes along with that, it's easy for me to tune out when I hear that gentle nudge. After all, I have spent years picking up for others.
But no matter how many of our daily chores revolve around leaving a space better than how we found it, we can still reach out and do a little something extra. Will it be noticed? Perhaps not! But that's part of the fun.
Go for a walk today and pick up some litter. Or tidy the breakroom at work (when no one is around to notice who did it). Or vacuum your spouses car and shake out the floor mats.
Or share some other ideas you have!
Blessings!
Sharon
Monday, September 8, 2008
Day 8 - Slow Down
A few days ago, I was making bookstore visits, stopping in to let the store staff know about my upcoming release, Stepping Into Sunlight.
Store visits can feel a little like sales cold-calls. Not exactly the favorite activity for my an author with my personality type. Thankfully, I was treated warmly each place I stopped.
But a few of the staff that I met really listened when I told them about the book. Their eyes didn't follow each person strolling by. They didn't glance at their watch after ten seconds. They smiled, they nodded . . . they took a moment to slow down and give the gift of attention. It meant the world to me.
I've always been bad at giving that gift. When my kids were young, I had to clamp my mouth shut as they told long, out-of-breath, rambling stories. I was SO tempted to hurry them along, get them to the point. But the POINT was that they needed to be heard. They needed me to slow down, hit the pause button of my busy life, and listen.
Today when you feel like rushing past someone, stop instead. When you find yourself "uh-huhing" faster and faster, hoping to get them to wrap up their thoughts, try slowing down and really listening. When someone in your family interrupts you in the middle of something, offer them your full attention - generously.
Let's give someone the kindness of slowing down. Of hearing. Of acknowledging that they are delightful and we want to spend a little time with them.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Store visits can feel a little like sales cold-calls. Not exactly the favorite activity for my an author with my personality type. Thankfully, I was treated warmly each place I stopped.
But a few of the staff that I met really listened when I told them about the book. Their eyes didn't follow each person strolling by. They didn't glance at their watch after ten seconds. They smiled, they nodded . . . they took a moment to slow down and give the gift of attention. It meant the world to me.
I've always been bad at giving that gift. When my kids were young, I had to clamp my mouth shut as they told long, out-of-breath, rambling stories. I was SO tempted to hurry them along, get them to the point. But the POINT was that they needed to be heard. They needed me to slow down, hit the pause button of my busy life, and listen.
Today when you feel like rushing past someone, stop instead. When you find yourself "uh-huhing" faster and faster, hoping to get them to wrap up their thoughts, try slowing down and really listening. When someone in your family interrupts you in the middle of something, offer them your full attention - generously.
Let's give someone the kindness of slowing down. Of hearing. Of acknowledging that they are delightful and we want to spend a little time with them.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Day 6 - Breaking Bread
Throughout Scripture, kindness and hospitality are often represented by a shared meal. Even when a widow in Zarapheth (I Kings 17) had only a tiny bit of oil and flour, she shared it with Elijah--and the oil and flour never ran out.
Can you share some food with some one today?
Once when I was experiencing deep discouragement about my ministry with a Christian arts group, a friend declared, "When the going gets tough, the tough get pie." And she took me out for a slice of comfort--her treat. I've never forgotten how loved and nurtured I felt by that act.
Bake a batch of cookies and bring some to a neighbor, a shut-in, a coworker, or a friend. Better yet, invite someone to supper. Keep it simple. A crockpot of simmering soup and a loaf of fresh-baked bread.
In this era of convenience foods, anyone can obtain an easy, quick meal. But a dish prepared by you and given in love is far more than just calories for the body. It's encouragement for the soul.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Can you share some food with some one today?
Once when I was experiencing deep discouragement about my ministry with a Christian arts group, a friend declared, "When the going gets tough, the tough get pie." And she took me out for a slice of comfort--her treat. I've never forgotten how loved and nurtured I felt by that act.
Bake a batch of cookies and bring some to a neighbor, a shut-in, a coworker, or a friend. Better yet, invite someone to supper. Keep it simple. A crockpot of simmering soup and a loaf of fresh-baked bread.
In this era of convenience foods, anyone can obtain an easy, quick meal. But a dish prepared by you and given in love is far more than just calories for the body. It's encouragement for the soul.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Friday, September 5, 2008
Day 5 - A Cup of Cold Water
"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."-- Matthew 10:42
We clambered over boulders and pulled ourselves up the last part of the trail. My legs quivered from exhaustion. Sweat poured down the hot skin of my face as the sun seemed determined to press me back down the mountain.
"Want a drink?" My husband handed me his water bottle.
Water was never sweeter.
I had a bottle of my own in my backpack. I could have eventually dug it out. But the OFFER of a drink of water placed in my shaking hand was a gift that made that water feel even better than if I'd just provided it for myself.
Let's be literal today. Be alert to the people around you. If you have young children in your home, tearing around the back yard, hand them a tumbler of cool water as they come in the door. Make iced tea for your husband, or pour a favorite soda for your teen as he comes in the door from school, and hand it to him.
Anticipate a need and offer a simple refreshment.
Then let us know how it went!
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Day 4 - The Enemy
Jesus said, "Love your enemy, pray for those who persecute you."
A tall order when I get cranky even with those who are kind and delightful to me--like my family members and dear friends.
"Enemy" is a strange concept, too, because in my daily life of housework, family life, and writing, I don't run into a lot of people who directly oppose, attack, or persecute me. But if we broaden our understanding of "enemy" to those who seem to hinder things from going our way, then some one may come to mind.
Someone who nabs the good parking space, someone who jams up the customer service line with persistent arguments, the family member who makes us feel small with a barbed comment, the friend who blithely chats about a luxury vacation when we long for even a weekend getaway, a coworker who finagles their work onto our pile somehow.
Has someone come to mind?
Now - let's pray for that "enemy".... NO! Not the "teach them how wrong they are being" sort of prayer. Let's really dig deep and start thinking of the blessings we long for - love, fellowship, closeness to God, meaning and purpose . . . and let's ask for those on behalf of the "enemy." And while we're at it, a little confessing of our own selfish or harsh attitudes would be a good idea, too.
Still with me?
Okay, now let's ask God to inspire a small kind act we can do for the person that came to mind.
A genuine compliment (not to improve the relationship so WE feel better, but simply to bless them) or a word of praise to someone else about them. Or offering them our dessert. Or a handwritten note. OR, if there is an ongoing conflict about a parking spot, the way to roll up toothpaste, or the pile of work on the desk--how about giving ground--on purpose--as a gift of love?
I can't wait to hear what God stirs up today, as we practice improbable love. :-)
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
A tall order when I get cranky even with those who are kind and delightful to me--like my family members and dear friends.
"Enemy" is a strange concept, too, because in my daily life of housework, family life, and writing, I don't run into a lot of people who directly oppose, attack, or persecute me. But if we broaden our understanding of "enemy" to those who seem to hinder things from going our way, then some one may come to mind.
Someone who nabs the good parking space, someone who jams up the customer service line with persistent arguments, the family member who makes us feel small with a barbed comment, the friend who blithely chats about a luxury vacation when we long for even a weekend getaway, a coworker who finagles their work onto our pile somehow.
Has someone come to mind?
Now - let's pray for that "enemy".... NO! Not the "teach them how wrong they are being" sort of prayer. Let's really dig deep and start thinking of the blessings we long for - love, fellowship, closeness to God, meaning and purpose . . . and let's ask for those on behalf of the "enemy." And while we're at it, a little confessing of our own selfish or harsh attitudes would be a good idea, too.
Still with me?
Okay, now let's ask God to inspire a small kind act we can do for the person that came to mind.
A genuine compliment (not to improve the relationship so WE feel better, but simply to bless them) or a word of praise to someone else about them. Or offering them our dessert. Or a handwritten note. OR, if there is an ongoing conflict about a parking spot, the way to roll up toothpaste, or the pile of work on the desk--how about giving ground--on purpose--as a gift of love?
I can't wait to hear what God stirs up today, as we practice improbable love. :-)
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Monday, September 1, 2008
Day 1 - Kindness in An Email
I'll try to post an idea each day in September - our Penny's Project month.
If I don't keep up with a new one each day, I hope these will be supplemented by great ideas by all of you!!!
Please comment about small acts of kindness that you have done, or plan to do, or that have been gifted to you.
Day one, we're starting with something VERY easy. Not costly, not scary or difficult, no sacrifice required.
Send an email to someone whom God brings to mind.
Sounds like a tiny, not-highly-meaningful act. BUT there have been days that a loving, genuine, personal, encouraging note from a friend in my email box TOTALLY helped me through a dark day.
I'm NOT referring to jokes and cartoons and group emails that are forwarded around and clutter our boxes. I'm also not counting a friendly affirmation included along with a request. I mean a pure, personal, encouraging and kind note for no other purpose than to let someone know you care about them.
Lord,
guide us to a name...then guide our words.
Help us pour out our love, support, and tender regard,
and hit "send" with a prayer on our lips for you to bless the friend who will receive our message. Amen.
Let me know how it goes!
And continue to invite your friends to visit this site and join us in Penny's Project - sharing a small step of kindness with a new person each day!
His,
Sharon
If I don't keep up with a new one each day, I hope these will be supplemented by great ideas by all of you!!!
Please comment about small acts of kindness that you have done, or plan to do, or that have been gifted to you.
Day one, we're starting with something VERY easy. Not costly, not scary or difficult, no sacrifice required.
Send an email to someone whom God brings to mind.
Sounds like a tiny, not-highly-meaningful act. BUT there have been days that a loving, genuine, personal, encouraging note from a friend in my email box TOTALLY helped me through a dark day.
I'm NOT referring to jokes and cartoons and group emails that are forwarded around and clutter our boxes. I'm also not counting a friendly affirmation included along with a request. I mean a pure, personal, encouraging and kind note for no other purpose than to let someone know you care about them.
Lord,
guide us to a name...then guide our words.
Help us pour out our love, support, and tender regard,
and hit "send" with a prayer on our lips for you to bless the friend who will receive our message. Amen.
Let me know how it goes!
And continue to invite your friends to visit this site and join us in Penny's Project - sharing a small step of kindness with a new person each day!
His,
Sharon
Thursday, August 21, 2008
I'm Praying For You
Sometimes we use the words as a fall-back when we feel helpless . . . as a last resort way to offer comfort. But it can be a powerful act of kindness, especially if we follow through.
"I'm praying for you."
Recently, I blogged about a woman who emailed out of the blue to tell me that God has suddenly placed me on her heart and she was praying for me, although she didn't know why. I suspect she worried she would sound a bit silly - especially if there were no special needs in my life.
But what she didn't realize at the time was that she emailed me on a very crucial morning. You can read the whole story here.
Have you ever been praying and felt the Holy Spirit bring a specific person to mind with special emphasis? Have you called or emailed to tell that friend, "I'm praying for you."?
Let's add that idea to our arsenal of kind acts.
We can wait for someone to share a problem and then offer to pray.
But we can ALSO actively ask God to bring to mind someone He wants us to support through our prayers. With or without their knowing, we can do kingdom work through that kind act.
Please share your comments about times when the prayers of others supported you, or ways that you've prayed for friends!
Blessings,
Sharon
"I'm praying for you."
Recently, I blogged about a woman who emailed out of the blue to tell me that God has suddenly placed me on her heart and she was praying for me, although she didn't know why. I suspect she worried she would sound a bit silly - especially if there were no special needs in my life.
But what she didn't realize at the time was that she emailed me on a very crucial morning. You can read the whole story here.
Have you ever been praying and felt the Holy Spirit bring a specific person to mind with special emphasis? Have you called or emailed to tell that friend, "I'm praying for you."?
Let's add that idea to our arsenal of kind acts.
We can wait for someone to share a problem and then offer to pray.
But we can ALSO actively ask God to bring to mind someone He wants us to support through our prayers. With or without their knowing, we can do kingdom work through that kind act.
Please share your comments about times when the prayers of others supported you, or ways that you've prayed for friends!
Blessings,
Sharon
Friday, August 15, 2008
How Can I Help?
What precious words!
Lately I've had the gift of that question offered to me by several friends.
I was talking about some discouragement . . . okay, I'll be honest, more of a feeling of hopelessness about some things that matter deeply to me.
Several friends, via email, phone, or in person, listened, cared, and said those precious words. How can I help?
Today, when someone across from us is angry, hurt, hopeless, or weary, let's offer a shoulder, a hand, a hug. And before giving suggestions, let's first meet their eyes and ask, "How can I help?"
Sometimes a person is too lost in the dark valley to KNOW what to ask for, or what they need. They may not be able to answer that question. Then we can get creative and offer a few ideas.
Sixteen years ago, I was seriously ill for several months. I was so sick that when people asked how they could help, I was too muddle-headed to think of an answer. So friends came up with their own ideas and shared love in a zillion ways.
One of the most unique was a woman from church that I didn't know too well at the time. She called up and said, "Can I please come over and clean your bathroom for you? I'm good at cleaning, and I want to help, and that's something I could do for you."
What a wonderful, specific, humble, beautiful offer!
I still remember how great it felt, after so many weeks of not being able to keep up on housework, to have a sparkling clean bathroom.
Has anyone asked you this wonderful question lately?
And have you had an opportunity to ask it of anyone?
Leave a comment and you'll be entered in my next drawing for a Penny's Project notebook (beautifully hand-crafted by a friend of mine...another of those women who ask, "How can I help?".)
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Lately I've had the gift of that question offered to me by several friends.
I was talking about some discouragement . . . okay, I'll be honest, more of a feeling of hopelessness about some things that matter deeply to me.
Several friends, via email, phone, or in person, listened, cared, and said those precious words. How can I help?
Today, when someone across from us is angry, hurt, hopeless, or weary, let's offer a shoulder, a hand, a hug. And before giving suggestions, let's first meet their eyes and ask, "How can I help?"
Sometimes a person is too lost in the dark valley to KNOW what to ask for, or what they need. They may not be able to answer that question. Then we can get creative and offer a few ideas.
Sixteen years ago, I was seriously ill for several months. I was so sick that when people asked how they could help, I was too muddle-headed to think of an answer. So friends came up with their own ideas and shared love in a zillion ways.
One of the most unique was a woman from church that I didn't know too well at the time. She called up and said, "Can I please come over and clean your bathroom for you? I'm good at cleaning, and I want to help, and that's something I could do for you."
What a wonderful, specific, humble, beautiful offer!
I still remember how great it felt, after so many weeks of not being able to keep up on housework, to have a sparkling clean bathroom.
Has anyone asked you this wonderful question lately?
And have you had an opportunity to ask it of anyone?
Leave a comment and you'll be entered in my next drawing for a Penny's Project notebook (beautifully hand-crafted by a friend of mine...another of those women who ask, "How can I help?".)
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Follow-up
After posting the story about the kind clerk in the grocery store, I received this email from Judy and she gave me permission to share:
---
Last week I read your Book Buddies update and your account of the "kindness" in the grocery store. I turn off the computer and head to the grocery store to do my weekly shopping. I was looking through a display stack of tortillas, checking the expiration dates on the packages.
I pulled one off the stack, and the entire display fell and packages of tortillas splattered at my feet. Honest! This really happened!
My first impulse was to run out of the store. Then I thought of you and the Buddy update. I bent down to pick up the packages of tortillas and restack the display. Before I could pick up even one package, a clerk was bending down next to me. "That's okay," he said. "This happens all the time. I'll pick them up. You go ahead and finish your shopping."
I pushed my cart up and down the remaining aisles with a huge silly grin on my face--thinking of you. :-)
---
Thanks for sharing, Judy! Isn't it fun to notice the small kindnesses given to us each day? It gets me excited to find ways to make someone else's day.
Has someone blessed you with a gracious word, a kind gesture, a small gift? Post a comment about it between now and August 1st, and I'll draw a name to win a free Penny's Project notebook!
Sharon Hinck
---
Last week I read your Book Buddies update and your account of the "kindness" in the grocery store. I turn off the computer and head to the grocery store to do my weekly shopping. I was looking through a display stack of tortillas, checking the expiration dates on the packages.
I pulled one off the stack, and the entire display fell and packages of tortillas splattered at my feet. Honest! This really happened!
My first impulse was to run out of the store. Then I thought of you and the Buddy update. I bent down to pick up the packages of tortillas and restack the display. Before I could pick up even one package, a clerk was bending down next to me. "That's okay," he said. "This happens all the time. I'll pick them up. You go ahead and finish your shopping."
I pushed my cart up and down the remaining aisles with a huge silly grin on my face--thinking of you. :-)
---
Thanks for sharing, Judy! Isn't it fun to notice the small kindnesses given to us each day? It gets me excited to find ways to make someone else's day.
Has someone blessed you with a gracious word, a kind gesture, a small gift? Post a comment about it between now and August 1st, and I'll draw a name to win a free Penny's Project notebook!
Sharon Hinck
Monday, July 7, 2008
The History of Kindness
Long before the movie "Pay it Forward" or "Oprah's Big Give," people around the world have been excited by the idea of unexpected steps of kindness - doing something caring and loving without expecting reciprocation. Here are a few examples:
You can visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation here.
In 1994 Mary Colf wrote 301 Random Acts of Kindness.
In 1999, Barbara Johnson wrote a children's book called Christian Acts of Kindness.
But some of my favorite examples of the power of small acts of kindness are recorded in the New Testament Gospels.
A little boy shares a few fish and loaves of bread, and Jesus multiplies it into enough to feed thousands.
A widow gives two small coins, and Jesus says that while others coming to the temple gave large amounts, the woman's gift was precious because she gave all she had.
Even further back, in the Old Testament, another widow makes a meal from her last bits of oil and flour for a weary prophet, Elijah. And as he stayed with her and her son, day after day, God miraculously kept the oil and flour from running out.
What I love about the Biblical accounts, is that the human part of the equation is hopelessly inadequate for the need--yet God takes our small offerings and accomplishes His purposes.
Kindness isn't about celebrating human goodness, but about being a vessel that share's God's greatness.
As one of my favorite verses says, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (2 Cor. 4:7)
Have you ever done a small simple act and been surprised by the way God did something much more profound through it? Tomorrow I'll share an example from my life.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
You can visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation here.
In 1994 Mary Colf wrote 301 Random Acts of Kindness.
In 1999, Barbara Johnson wrote a children's book called Christian Acts of Kindness.
But some of my favorite examples of the power of small acts of kindness are recorded in the New Testament Gospels.
A little boy shares a few fish and loaves of bread, and Jesus multiplies it into enough to feed thousands.
A widow gives two small coins, and Jesus says that while others coming to the temple gave large amounts, the woman's gift was precious because she gave all she had.
Even further back, in the Old Testament, another widow makes a meal from her last bits of oil and flour for a weary prophet, Elijah. And as he stayed with her and her son, day after day, God miraculously kept the oil and flour from running out.
What I love about the Biblical accounts, is that the human part of the equation is hopelessly inadequate for the need--yet God takes our small offerings and accomplishes His purposes.
Kindness isn't about celebrating human goodness, but about being a vessel that share's God's greatness.
As one of my favorite verses says, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (2 Cor. 4:7)
Have you ever done a small simple act and been surprised by the way God did something much more profound through it? Tomorrow I'll share an example from my life.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
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