Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me!
Birthdays are a big deal at this house, at least for our kids, and I think deep down I'll always feel like that little girl who still gets so excited when it's her birthday. But this year I feel like I already have so much, so many blessings, that I need to focus on other people and give more joy to them.
I saw a blog about a woman who did 38 random acts of kindness on her 38th birthday (see her amazing blog: http://mixmingleglow.com/blog/?p=1358). I thought that was a perfect idea, but for me and the 3 little girls, I don't think I could make a full day of it yet (maybe when they're older and could come along to help).
So I opted for a week of doing as many acts of kindness to friends and strangers alike. Turns out, I couldn't stop after just one week, so it is continuing. I am trying to do at least one good thing -- small or large -- for someone else every day.
Here is my list and if you are interested, maybe you can join in and do random acts of kindness too!
1. Made dinner for a friend and her family since she's recovering from surgery.
2. Gave money to a stranger in need. I heard her story from a friend who knew of a pregnant woman who didn't have much money and was struggling to pay bills and prepare for the birth of her baby. I gave money to my friend who then delivered it (and many other gifts from other people) to the mom-to-be. I feel like a small part of a bigger group who came together to bless this woman and her little baby.
3. Supported a friend by just listening and telling her I am here for her while she's going through a tough family situation.
4. Told a sorority sister that I am proud of her and believe in her ability to be a leader.
5. Brought a piece of pie home for my husband after he watched the kids so I could go to dinner for another friend's birthday.
6. Called an old friend out of the blue and told her how much her friendship means to me. She called me a few days later to say how my call was a gift from God because was having a really hard time and hearing how much she meant to me made her feel a million times better. Her call back to me blessed me more than she could know!
7. Bought a CD for a friend that I know she'd like and mailed it to her as a surprise.
8. Sent a card to a friend who I don't see often enough just saying "hi."
9. Told a dear friend and sorority sister how much I admire what she does to help other sisters (most of the time doing things that no one knows about except her and the sister in need). Her ability to give of her time and talents and unwavering support is something I strive to be like.
10. Told my daughters how much I love them and how proud I am for specific things they had done that day.
11. Made dinner for a neighbor who just had a baby.
12. Took a gift to another neighbor who also had a baby.
13. Gave a friend a compliment.
14. Let a stranger go in front of me in the check out line at the grocery store.
15. Increased our tithes to our church because of many reasons, one being that the staff does so many wonderful things for people in our community who need help while going through a tough time.
16. Gave a stranger a compliment and watched her face light up when I talked to her.
17. Prayed for a friend's son as he had surgery -- prayers for healing, comfort and peace for him and his family.
This is a short list, but one I want to continue, not just around my birthday, but every day. It helps me to count my blessings (which are too many to count) and to serve others as Christ calls us to do.
