Monday, September 10, 2012

30 Days of Service: Day 1

A few weeks ago in church I heard a talk about service. The speaker stated, after being inspired by a conference talk, {Article HERE} he began asking himself each evening "What have I done for someone today?"  He said there are opportunities all around us, even the small acts of kindness, like bringing in the neighbor's trash bins from the curb.  Seems simple, right? 

I felt inspired by his words.  I felt like that USED to be me.  I USED to be the kind of person that was always looking for ways to serve others, ways to show love and kindness to others.  So, what happened?  Simply put, I'm busy.  I am so busy between kids, work, school, church, and my attempt at a meaningful relationship that it seems like I forget to think about anyone else but me!  And while those are all "good" and "worthy" causes, I want don't want to be so self-absorbed that I lose the ability to empathize with others.

I needed that sermon.  Hopefully I am probably/possibly already doing things each day without even realizing it. But I decided to do a 30-day "experiment" and blog about it each day - not to brag or boast about my "good deeds", but to help keep me focused on the project. Knowing I will be blogging about it will help keep it at the forfront of my mind. The hope is that after 30 days I will be conditioned to be more aware of others around me and their needs; to look for ways to serve without even thinking about it.  I truly believe that this will in turn condition my heart to be more patient, accepting, forgiving, and loving towards others as well.

30-Day Challenge: I would love for any of you to join me in the project and share what you're doing!  (Either leave it in the comments or post a link back to your blog.)

So, here goes...

Day 1

What Have I Done for Someone Today?

I usually keep my change in my car which I lovingly refer to as my "Diet Coke Fund" (for when I go through the drive-thru, etc.).  This morning, I gave my fund to the old, scrawny, sun-dried homeless man standing on the corner under the viaduct. "Thank you.  God Bless!" he responded as he accepted the change.


Challenge: What about you?  Big or Small --  What Have You Done to Help Someone Today?

1 comment:

Jonathan Plowman said...

Service-oriented goals are always a great thing to post on. I will be looking forward to reading about the next 30 days.