Often we get so focused on BIG gifts during the month of December that we miss out on the many blessings in store for us through the small things of life. While this should be, in theory, the happiest time of year for people....it's not for many. In fact, it is one of the most stressful times of the year for every one of us.
During the stress of the holidays, it's nice just to have a small blessing that will put a smile on our face. Imagine how great it feels when someone else takes time to make that small difference. Now imagine how great it feels when you make the difference. That's what we are going to do through "The Little Things."
Here is our challenge for Skyline Church. Between now and Christmas day, each person who calls Skyline home is given the mission to do a minimum of 25 random acts of kindness for someone that crosses your path in life. It could be something done for a friend or a neighbor or even a complete stranger. I challenge you to be creative in how you share the love of Christ through the little things.
HOW?
1.) Do something nice for someone.
Here are a few ideas for you:
-Rake some leaves for your neighbors
-Offer to babysit for a couple down the street so they can have a much needed night out.
-Take a tasty dish to someone who needs a blessing
-Pay for a meal/drink for the person behind you at a fast food restaurant or in the drive through
-Leave a larger tip than normal for your waiter
-Secretly pay for a meal in a nicer restaurant for an unexpecting person/family
-Leave a larger tip than normal for your waiter
-Secretly pay for a meal in a nicer restaurant for an unexpecting person/family
-Randomly leave a gift card lying in some obscure place that would surprise an unknowing blessee
-Leave a stack of quarters at the car wash
-Take some doughnuts to a local establishment
-Pay for a tank of gas for a stranger
-Make a small gift basket for a teacher or a co-worker
-Carry out groceries for someone at Wal-mart
These are just a few ways to make a difference in the little things. Your only limitation is your imagination. The key is to go out of your way to share the love of Christ in small practical ways.
2.) Give the person you are blessing a "Little Things" card.
If you personally hand the card to someone, challenge them to "pay-it-forward" to someone else in their life.
If you were not able to be at church this past Sunday, you can grab a stack next week at Skyline
If you were not able to be at church this past Sunday, you can grab a stack next week at Skyline
3.) Share your story on Facebook and at www.skylinecc.com.
We have set up a special page on our website to share your stories of how you were able to bless someone else through "The Little Things". This can give others ideas they can use to be a blessing to others and it can tell your story of how God blessed you by being a blessing.
4.) Pray for those you bless.
Even if you have no idea who you just blessed, your prayers can make an even greater impact. We can never fully know what is going on in someone's life, but your small gift could have brightened the day of someone who is broken by the world or inspire someone else to be a blessing to others.
I am so excited to share this little campaign with our church. It is at the heart of who we are and why we do what we do. We exist for three things: Love God, Love Others, and Make a Difference......even in THE LITTLE THINGS!!!!
