Join Me in the 12 Days of Christmas Challenge: Spreading Gratitude and Kindness
I invite you to join me in a special 12 Days of Christmas challenge that will spread gratitude and kindness during this Christmas season. As we become open to what we love and appreciate about those around us and show kindness to others, these ideas of appreciation and thankfulness will also grow in our lives.
Being good to others is an excellent way to express appreciation to God. There is a sermon by Andy Stanley, who talks about (and I am paraphrasing) how there is no way you would allow someone to show gratitude to you while being cruel to your child right in front of you. The same goes for God. We can't show gratitude to God while being cruel to His children. If we want to be good to God, we need to be good to His children. Let's do this through gratitude and kindness this season.
There are so many ways you can show Gratitude to people. Here are some ideas:
Text a friend: Send a heartfelt message to a friend who's been there for you through thick and thin. Share a specific memory for which you are grateful.
Call a family member: Contact a relative you haven't spoken to in a while. Express how much they mean to you and why you're thankful for them in your life.
Thank someone who has helped you with business.
Thank someone in your life for their spiritual guidance and support throughout the year..
Take a moment to tell a colleague how much you value their contributions and teamwork.
Thank a service provider: Express gratitude to someone who serves you regularly – your mail carrier, the cashier at your grocery store, your dry cleaner, or the friendly person who checks you in at the gym.
Write a note to a neighbor telling them what they mean to you..
If you recognize a face at a business you frequent, say thank you for how they make your days easier.
Here are some ideas for Acts of Kindness:
Surprise a Neighbor: Bake some cookies or prepare a meal for a neighbor, especially someone who might be lonely or going through a tough time.
Drop off food and baked goods at the schools in your community.
Get extra groceries and give them to an elderly neighbor who has difficulty getting out of the house.
Random Act of Kindness: Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in the drive thru line
Reach Out to the Lonely: Visit an elderly member of your church or community who might not have family nearby.
Make a Donation to a charity that helps a cause that is dear to your heart.
Take someone's cart back at the grocery store.
Let a car in front of you during rush hour traffic. (that might be taking it too far.)
This challenge is to help us remember to be good to each other. As we walk through these twelve days, let's see if our small acts create ripples of joy in our own lives and those around us. May this challenge not only bless others but also draw us closer to the heart of Jesus, who came to serve and show us the ultimate act of love.
Are you willing to take on this challenge and spread some joy? Come on, it'll be fun!