Be A Light Whenever Possible And Expect Nothing In Return

I'm getting closer and closer to coming to a final decision about my volunteer program, but am still working out a few details. I have been contacting different fundraising outlets and am gathering more information about raising some money. I am so very excited and I still can't believe that I'm actually doing this! And of course, as soon as I have a final word on what I'm doing, I'll let you know :)

Alright, I've spoken to you before about MamaLaughlin. She's ridiculous and she's amazing. Today, her post is all about paying it forward and doing good deeds for the holidays. She and a couple of her blog bffs (or bbffs as she calls them) have come together to collect stories from her readers about people the readers may know or the readers themselves who need some help this holiday season. Whether it's needing help obtaining Christmas presents for their kids, collecting food, or collecting clothing or coats, she wants to know and wants to help. Here is the LINK for you to follow and possibly participate. If you're not comfortable emailing her yourself, tell me your story and I'll pass it along! I commend her for doing something this big and something this meaningful. She has a lot of influence on those around her and she is using that popularity in a way that reflects the goodness still left in this world. She's using her power in the best way possible. 

 I wish that I had the means to do what she does, but that doesn't mean that I can't do some good is some small ways. The other day, I went to the bank to deposit some money. While at the ATM, I could not get the machine to accept one of the bills that I was attempting to deposit. I tried and tried, but soon gave up and put it back in my wallet. From there, I went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. On my way out of the parking lot, I saw a man, his wife, and one of their babies standing on the curb. The man was holding a sign informing me and the other drivers that he had recently lost his job and needed money to provide food and perhaps a small Christmas for him, his wife, and their two children. Then I realized why the machine wouldn't take that bill. Without any thought, I rolled down my window and gave the man the bill and all of the other loose change in my wallet. This man's smile and gracious "thank you"s were so genuine and so heartbreaking. I wish that ATM had rejected more of my money, but I did what I could. 

It's little things like this that I'm talking about. You don't have to spend loads of money to help someone. Just by paying attention to the world around you, you can make a difference. Keep an eye out for little things like this. Even if it's just helping someone load their groceries into their car, letting someone cut in front of you in line, or a smile, everything you do can make a difference. When you see another doing something wonderful like this, come out of your shell and let them know how inspiring they are. Yes, even if it's a total stranger. Do not miss these opportunities to let His grace show through you. When you see someone else doing something of this nature, give them a smile. Acknowledge that you witnessed whatever it was. Encouragement will motivate others to continue doing good. Everything has a ripple effect and when we participate in this phenomenon, more and more of that good shines through.

Of course, this applies year-round. You don't have to reserve your good deed-doing for just December. Let yourself give year-round. Be a light whenever possible and expect nothing in return. You'll be rewarded in some way at some point in your life, but don't let that be your driving motivation. The betterment of society should be your motivation. Stop complaining about how this world is going downhill, do something to help fix it.