One week ago today, I sent out a message to the women (and children) in my family. In preparation for turning 40 years old, I asked them to help me complete at least 40 Random Acts of Kindness over the course of a week. Not only were they willing to help, but their kindness and generosity surpassed anything I could have imagined. Tonight as I write this, my heart is overflowing and I am greatly humbled. Here are their stories, in their own words.
My beautiful "Canadian" niece (and Goddaughter)
I think it was so cool of you to set a challenge for yourself to help out others and make them feel special for YOUR special day! I was really inspired by this, and wanted to help. The random acts of kindness I did this week included:
1. When at Tim Hortons drive through, I paid for the cars order that was behind me.
2. I'm really bad at returning my cart to the cart return at the store, so everytime I was at the store this week I returned my cart, along with others that were near me not returned.
3. I have a bad cold, so I went and purchased a kettle at the store (plug in ones). Before returning home with it, I ran into a friend at another store. She told me that her son was admitted into the hospital the previous night for a high fever. She was picking up supplies for their stay at the hospital. She wasn't sure how to go about getting/making coffee in their hospital room. I gave her my kettle I just purchased with instant coffee so they would be able to make coffee. I really needed that kettle for myself, but knew that they were in a worse situation.
4. I donated art supplies to the church that were needed for their religious Ed classes.
5. My daycare was going to be closed Friday (yesterday) for the holiday. One family had to still work regardless, and had no where to bring their son for the day. So I opened for the day for them.
My beautiful, "college-student" niece
After I read this last Sunday I went to Church that night and the sermon was on love and how we need more agape love; more unconditioned love for others. This was a sign that in participating in this 40 Random Acts of Kindness was perfect. So last week I was able to think of ways to help and love others throughout my days. 1. It started off as my roommate caught a bug on Sunday and was laid up all week. I was able to be there for her. My days consisted of going to the store and stocking up on cold aides and remedies. Cleaning constantly to make sure that our house was disinfected at all times. Lastly making her feel comfortable so she was able to get plenty of rest. 2. On Tuesday, I helped out my neighbor with studying for his test. He has a learning disability so helping him to memorize and help him with many different learning techniques. 3. Also, on Tuesday my other roommate's (Not the sick one) mom was having mastectomy in treatment of her breast cancer. I was able to sit and pray a Rosary for her and her family as they are going through a hard time.
1. I payed for the person behind me at Caribou.
2. I picked up trash in the hallway after school.
3. I paid for a student's food order on a field trip who had forgotten her wallet at home.
4. I donated Bert's Bees products to "Operation Nice", which supports our troops.
My "RN" sister #2
Happy Birthday!! Wow - 40 years old!!
Doing 10 Random Acts of Kindness is really difficult!
1. Bought lunch for my favorite sisters and mom.
2. Mailed a donation to New Beginnings in honor of my sister on her 40th birthday.
3. Sent a card to a dear friend who is recovering from cancer surgery.
4. Baked cookies and delivered them to a friend recovering from surgery.
5. Kept my nose to the ground and picked up everything from paper to someone's wet gum off the floor (whenever and wherever I saw litter).
6. Volunteered to go with the head Election Judge to the court house after the election to deliver the ballots at 9:30 PM. No one else volunteered to go. When we got there, we realized we had mis-counted by one signature and then ended up recounting over and over 700 signatures until things matched up. I got home at 11 PM and had to be up 5 AM for work.
7. Made my Sweetie and son a venison dinner and waited on them like a restaurant. I served them and then I watched them eat. I chose to fast from this meal.
8. Went to daily Mass to hear my God-daughter read for her Class Mass.
9. Volunteered to head up or help at a few Council of Catholic Women events.
10. Donated a centerpiece for our Healing Mass and will give it to one of the volunteers for their Thanksgiving table after the event.
**This is one of the hardest things I have ever done. Thank you!!!
My Beautiful Mom
1. Delivered a meal to someone who is sick.
2. Helped prepare a meal for a family who has a loved one in Hospice.
My lovely Sister-in-law
Here are my random acts of kindness:
1. I was in line to use the microwave and I let someone else, who was also waiting go before me.
2. I was in line to get a fountain drink and I let two other people go before me.
3. I was in the store at work and there was a young lady purchasing some things and was going to use her debit card; which the store does not take. She didn’t have cash so I paid for it. I was then immediately blessed as the owner gave me my York Mint Patti J
4. I made and brought my husband a cup of coffee each morning (I do this every morning).
5. Hubby and I have been car-pooling so I drove home each night; which allowed Hubby to take a little nap (I also do this every time we car pool).
6. Last Friday we went out to eat at TGIFridays and had a 15% off coupon. We gave it to the couple sitting across from us.
6. Last Friday we went out to eat at TGIFridays and had a 15% off coupon. We gave it to the couple sitting across from us.
That’s about it.
My Household
2. The kids made Veteran's Day cards and sent them to Veterans in our community.
3. Gummi refilled everyone's water bottles and placed them in the refrigerator.
4. Gummi wrote a letter to her Grandpa.
5. I went out for a drink with my sister and a friend and Monkey Toes snuck over to the bar and paid our tab.
6. Cucumber let Pumpkin write in her journal and taught her how to draw a candy cane.
8. I sent an encouraging/supportive letter to our Bishop, thanking him for his vocation and service to our diocese.
9. Gummi was invited to a birthday party for a classmate where all the gifts would be donated to the Children's Hospital. We bought extra gifts to donate.
10. We sent a letter to our sponsored child in Honduras.
11. I baked cookies for our Council of Catholic Women meeting.
12. Gummi helped the two youngest get ready in the morning, without being asked.
13. I volunteered to help prepare a meal for the Blood Mobile workers.
14. Sent a card to a friend.
16. Donated diapers to Birthright.
18. Sweet Potato is making the effort to befriend a child at school who is struggling to be there this year.
___________________________________
I have very little "want" in my life. Everything I need, I truly believe I already have.
~faith
~family
~a roof over our heads
~warm beds to sleep in
~food on our table
~shoes on our feet
~running water
~the kids have health insurance
~education
~a vehicle to get us from point A to point B each day
~we have our health
~we have our faith
~we have love
These Random Acts of Kindness were not to show everyone how good we are, but rather to use the gifts we have been blessed with to touch the lives of others. No matter how small or seemingly insignificant the action, no matter what walk of life a person is on, everyone can spread a little kindness. I try my very best, each and every day, to live my life for Christ. Many days I fall short of the goal, but I will never give up in trying to bring the love of Jesus and His light to those around me.
"I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me." Matthew 25:35-36
My 40th year is off to a pretty great start. Thank you to my mom, my sisters, my in-laws, my nieces, my children, and my husband for all of your love and for your willingness to celebrate my birthday by sharing your hearts with others. I love you all!
I wish I would have seen this sooner. First, Happy Birthday and welcome to the club! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this so much, I'm thinking it would be fun to do every week. 7 for 7 or something.
God is good.....
Yes He is. I think this would be a great challenge during Advent and Lent as well.
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