Two weeks ago, I ask readers to do just ONE thing - something simple - to spread hope, peace joy and love during this busy holiday time. You can read that post Here. This has been great exercise for me. Over the past two weeks, I have been more cognizant of opportunities to show kindness and spread a little hope. I have also been on the lookout for what others are doing. It has been heartwarming and I cannot wait to hear your stories!!
I'll start by sharing some things my family has done:
1) When I first wrote the post, I asked my daughters to help me come up with some ideas. Out of that brainstorming session, we decided to take hot chocolate to the teachers at their elementary school who were standing out in the cold to supervise carpool drop-off in the mornings. The girls were so excited about doing this. They thought about which teachers would be out side, which girl would give a cup to which teacher, and what they would say. The teachers were so happy to get the hot chocolate! They told the girls how nice it was and thanked them over and over. My youngest said, "She gave me a big hug and and said thank you, thank you, thank you!" Not only did it bring joy to the teachers, it brought joy to my girls. So much, in fact, that we have done a couple more times!
Sorry for the blurry iPhone pics! |
2) I do a bible study with a group of wonderful women from or church. Recently, the pastor who leads our group was made aware of a single mom who has three children, one with special needs. Sadly, they had been living without electricity and, therefore, without heat for three weeks. I won't go into detail, but suffice to say there were domestic issues involved and this mother, who does work, was struggling to get by. Another church member had asked if there was any way the church could help. those in my study group who were able gave whatever donations we could and, with the help of discretionary funds from the church, this family has heat and electricity again.
3) When a new student arrived in my daughter's class this week, she noticed he didn't have any school supplies. She asked if she could take him some pencils and three-ring binder we had sitting on a shelf. She told me yesterday that she has also been sharing a snack with him each day because he doesn't bring one. I'll be putting an extra snack in her bag from now on. She requested these items and has shared her snack simply out of the goodness of her heart with no promoting from anyone else. That makes my heart so very proud and happy.
3) When a new student arrived in my daughter's class this week, she noticed he didn't have any school supplies. She asked if she could take him some pencils and three-ring binder we had sitting on a shelf. She told me yesterday that she has also been sharing a snack with him each day because he doesn't bring one. I'll be putting an extra snack in her bag from now on. She requested these items and has shared her snack simply out of the goodness of her heart with no promoting from anyone else. That makes my heart so very proud and happy.
You may have also seen this video as it has been circulating the internet. If not, watch it. You will smile, I'm sure.
There is so much more we could do. In fact, there is always something we can do. Even if it's just a giving a smile to the person you pass in the parking lot or saying "Have a great day!" to the cashier at the store. Big or small, it all make a difference to someone!
So, what have you done?? If you are a blogger and have a post (new or old) with a story, link it up below! If you are not a blogger or haven't had time to write up your story, just leave it in a comment below. There is also a thread on my Facebook page where you can share a comment. It would also be great if you shared this post using #justdoONEthing, so others can come offer their stories as well. (My original goal was to have 50 stories in linkups, comments, and on Facebook combined. Think we can do it????)
22 comments:
I love these stories of hope and kindness and generosity shown at the holidays. Your sweet girls with the hot chocolate for the teachers totally melted my heart. :) I know we have something we can link-up...will head back over later and put something here!-Ashley
My middle one is so concerned about this new kid in her class. She asked me to email her teacher and see if there is anything else he needs! that is melting my heart, too! Thanks for linking up!
I love the hot chocolate idea! There are some cold teachers who I know could use some at our school! I have seen that WestJet video all over the internet, and finally took to the time to watch it this morning. It would have been so fun to be behind the scenes!
I didn't watch it at first either, but finally did and Wow! How cool that would be - and, I agree that it would actually be more fun to be one of the "elves" shopping and watching the people's faces when they received their surprise gifts!
My husband actually showed me that video and said I should share it, because it was the best video he had seen in awhile. So, love that you shared it here with your post today, because totally fits with this theme. And your girls smiles truly said it all and made my day! I didn't forget about this challenge and have collected some toys of the girls to donate to kids who are in need for our local church. Just have not had a chance to write up about and share on my blog. But totally in the process of doing this and was wanting to share at least in your comments today.
Comments count!! I'm glad you shared and I think it's great that you are donating some toys. Sometimes helping others is as simple as taking a few minutes to clean out our own messes! :-) BTW - loved your guest post on Coach Daddy, today!
Thanks Lisa, I truly felt so guilty that I just didn't have time to write this up, but it has been crazy here and now today I have Emma's pre-school party, where I volunteered to be one of the class mom's for the sing-a-long and party after. And I was just so honored to be asked to guest over on Eli's blog, too :)
I'm all about simple ways to give back! It's something I blog about on a regular basis. I'm linking an older post on the subject, which includes a list of simple ways to give back. People can easily add to the list! This week, we donated to a local toy drive, volunteered at our local food pantry and my son gave a donation with his own money to St. Jude's. I matched his donation. The kids decided to make small donations instead of exchanging gifts. How cool is that?
#3 is making me openly weep here in my house! We're still formulating what we're going to do. Scarlet has some nice ideas. I'll be sure to share them.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!!! You have done such BEAUTIFUL THINGS!!!! I will be linking up with my favorite gifts the kids and I worked SO hard on for our family and friends....
BUT- there are many many more opportunities to do "One Good Thing" every single day. There are SO many many options.... right in front of us. Everywhere. We just need to make the time, take the energy and see the need.
Thanks SO much for sharing such a great mission, dear friend!!! XOXO
Love this sharing of ideas for doing good things! I linked a post about our family's one thing. The post is about our efforts to raise money for disaster victims and introduces a new facebook page for other families who have been inspired by music to do good things.
No worries! 'Tis the season & I totally understand! :-)
That is awesome!! My oldest LOVES animals & for the past three years she has asked people to bring donations for the animal shelter rather that birthday gifts. I love it when the kids get involved. Those were some excellent ideas int he post you shared, too!
#3 makes me weep too!! I love that Scarlet has ideas and that you are involving the kids!
Thank you Chris!! I love the Blessing Jars you shared and am definitely going to do that for my family! There truly are so many opportunities - I have actually been overwhelmed with them to day ( and it has nothing to do with this post!). My heart needed to read these wonderful things today and I appreciate your support so very, very much!
That is wonderful - taking something you love, like music, and using it to do something good for other people. I love it! Thank you for linking up~
This is a truly, wonderfully beautiful idea, Lisa :) GOOD FOR YOU for being such a wonderful inspiration to so many :D
Thanks, Lizzi!
I've been that grumpy customer in line before, too! Some days it's hard not to get wrapped up in our own schedules and problems. What a great reminder this is!!
I think every holiday season should be an opportunity to help the underprivileged. And we need to be reminded of that often.
This is such a wonderful idea! There are so many opportunities to do good. We are donating to those in need through our church this year. My favorite things are the unexpected ones that surprise you!
So true! Thanks for sharing what you are doing~
Post a Comment