So, we are into week 2 of the Season of the Advent and it has been interesting.
There have been the unexpected surprises: the surprise little gift from a colleague that came along at just the right time. Totally unexpected but so appreciated.
The apology for a situation that happened last week; didn’t expect it but when it came, it definitely warmed the heart.
The students we work with decided to create a cupcake initiative to donate cupcakes specially designed with special cards for the shelters they were delivering to.
The second shelter was warm, inviting, thankful, and grateful that they were thought of in such a kind way.
The first shelter however, seemed to be in the couldn’t care less scenario.
The way they talked to the students who were delivering and the coldness was striking.
It made me realize like many things, we do the right things because they are the right things to do and not for the expectation of approval.
At times, I think we subconsciously hope for an approval for dosing good when we never really have a guarantee that there will be a positive response. Maybe that is why some are reticent to “Stick” their neck out so to speak when it comes to doing good.
But for our society, communities to become more welcoming, more caring, more loving is for someone to take a risk.
Even small risks can make the biggest differences and changes.
So on to week 2 and maybe one thing we will read will inspire us to do one good deed on the way to the Advent.
Try 1 or 2 or even more; I’m sure they will help us and those we show kindness to!
Donate A Christmas Present To A Charity-Shelter
My former boss and still current friend (that is a joke) and her family are making this Christmas a family affair in that even the grand kids will have a part in touching a life (lives) this season.
They are taking on a student and his needy family anonymously but help they will. The grand kids will be choosing a toy from "Toy R US" that they’ll help wrap and that toy will get into the hands of the siblings of our student.
It is so important that we pass on the “Spirit Of Giving” to the generations because so much of our society is what can I get and forget that so many live below the margins.
It doesn’t have to be big; one small gift can do wonders!!
Do Something Kind For Ourselves
This is something that I still am learning to do because I like to go go and give give to others but sometimes, the one who needs a little something from me is me!
Maybe it’s to turn off the electronics and just breathe.. or read… or take a long walk..
It could be a burger at our favorite burger joint or restaurant, maybe it’s a night out doing something fun, maybe its sleep that we need but whatever it could be, we need to be kind to ourselves.
When I say this, we are not talking about extravagant, crazy things but things that will help us grow on the inside.
Sometimes, it is the lack of being kind to ourselves that causes us to neglect those around us so, in this season of the Advent, why not do one thing this week and that is a kindness to and for us!!!
Post A Positive Sticky Note To Be Found
One of my friends started doing this at his office a few years ago and what started as an idea to bring a little cheer became part of the culture of that office.
Notes would show up in all sorts of places and the warmth of that place grew to the point where they started monthly supper evenings among the many things that grew out of the positive sticky note thought.
Now what’s interesting is that I’ve had some say that this is so basic which is another way of saying that we all know this and seemingly have passed the test so to speak..
If it were completely true, then kindness in our communities, social circles, families, work places would be so much different but the reality is that it’s not.
But we can change that; one kindness at a time.
It’s crazy that at times, it takes an event, a situation or in this case, The Advent, the coming Of The Notable One, Jesus to get us into the Spirit of the season.
What would it look like for us to be an everyday, all year round type who doesn’t need a holiday to be reminded to spread good will, joy, kindness, hope to the people we come in contact with; we just never know who is going to need the good that we have inside so they can experience a lifting of their hearts, spirits and minds!
In our own way, we can be notable in how we bring something fresh, something needed, something warm, something kind, something of value and worth because we are a world in desperate need of the Characteristics and Person of the Advent!!!
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