Little Acts of Kindness

In November, the inspiration from a simple Facebook post shared by a friend, a December Acts of Kindness calendar, re-shaped the last month of 2016 for our family.  Before I had a chance to think out the implications of what this would mean, I boldly proclaimed on Facebook that Bereket and I would do an Act of Kindness on each day during the entire month of December. Yep, 31 consecutive good deeds. Here's a report on how it went down.

I will admit, on November 30th, I wondered, what had I gotten my family into? Often by the time Bereket gets home from school, I am already in my pajamas and the thought of going out into the Minnesota cold to share a little love with the neighborhood just wasn't looking so practical. I decided I would give us some grace. If we missed a day (or two) that would be o.k. We would just get back on track and start up where we left off.  That grace came in handy.

In some ways, December was the perfect time of year to do this. Opportunities to do good were right in front of us for the taking. Like collecting toys for my work's annual Drive By Toy Drive. Despite some rather lengthy "warming up" breaks inside the building with hot apple cider and donuts, Bereket was a shining example of doing good for others during the time she was outside. She also did a few live television hits with me encouraging people to stop by and donate toys.

Bereket wrote lots of Christmas cards and prepared special gifts for staff at her school.

Some cards were fun and happy like the ones to Auntie Jolene and to her beloved Kokeb. (How my heart smiled when she signed that card: your sister, Bereket). We consider Kokeb her "Hilawe Sister."  Another card was heartbreaking to send. A dear adoption friend we met in Ethiopia, who also adopted a little girl named Bereket, had passed away from cancer. She leaves behind 5 devastated children and a husband who adored her. If only an act of kindness could bring Amanda back.

We accepted an invitation by our church to share the "good news" by reading in front of the congregation and lighting an advent candle. Bereket questioned if "reading" could be an act of kindness, but what better gift to give than God's grace and encouragement? I know I sure need it.

Now, a few admissions:

I admit, we did not get to everything on our list. We have some really good ideas still out there for January.  One of them came from Jason. He wants to gift a family in our church with some venison meat since he had a very successful deer hunting season and the hunter in their family did not. (Good idea, Jason!) 

I admit, there were 3 days in a row when the weather simply stole my ambition. So one night when it was finally a little "less cold," we went out and did four acts of kindness to catch up.

I admit, my child proclaimed more than once, "I am sick of hearing about acts of kindness! Please tell me we are not doing this next December."

I will also admit, when I received an email from my mother titled "thank you." I wondered, "What is she thanking me for?"  I completely forgot that the week prior we had sent her an Elvis Christmas cd we discovered while waiting in line at Walgreens. My mom is one of Elvis' greatest fans and she said it brought tears to her eyes listening to his voice sing such special songs.  I guess acts of kindness are worth your time even if you don't remember doing them the next week!

Will the people we hoped to bless with a baby gift, a ride to the airport, or a card remember they are loved and treasured? 

Good thing we can continue to send reminders of love in 2017!