Our sermon on Sunday really made me think.  Pastor Brian mentioned that outside the walls of the church most people don't truly understand Christians.  He mentioned that people have actually asked him if we drink blood and eat flesh?  I never realized how something like communion could be so scarily misinterpreted.  He also mentioned that often, Christians practice proper principals within the walls of the church or building where worship takes place, but either out of fear of judgement or whatever reason choose not to practice day to day in public.  We as Christians need to show that we are good and faithful all the time – not just when the mood hits us or when the timing is right.

I feel God's grace and presence in my life and I am not afraid to share that.  There was a time I was afraid of what other people would think or how they would judge me.  Would they consider me to be a pushy Christian?  I feel, at this time in my life it is not only what we say to people that leave an impression, but also what we reveal in our actions.  I am not afraid to speak of God in conversation because without him I would be nothing.  I can see and feel his hand on my family.  Guiding us and lifting us up.  I know there may be people that will get offended when I say, “God”, but he is as big of a part of my life as is my right arm or my smile.  I treasure what I have and feel abundantly blessed even in our struggles.  I can not deny him.

Random acts of kindness can be displayed in so many ways each day and it is so important for me to share them.  I do not have money to spend on gifts for all the people I love and cherish and even the stranger on the street.  A random act of kindness is a gift in itself.  A random act of kindness is two fold:  It places a sense of joy in YOUR heart and at the same time is SHARING a gift of kindness with the recipient.  To me a random act of kindness is a gift that could essentially keep on giving…  A gift that is, if you will, a gift that is paid forward.  When you see a person in the grocery store and you offer them a “Good Morning” and a smile, you have gifted them.  That simple “Good Morning” and smile may have come at a time when they needed it most – it could turn their day around – it could change their tune for the day – it could just simply put a smile on their face and because you offered such a gesture they may hit the next isle and share it with someone else.

My Mother always told me to share a smile because you never know what that smile could mean to the person that receives it.  Just like I put on my jeans in the morning, I also put on my smile.  In some of life's roughest moments for me, I WAS the recipient of some of those smiles and I am aware of what that simple smile can mean and do for the rest of your day or days ahead.

Everyone has a story and this is something I became consciously aware of when years past, my life fell apart.   I still wore my smile everyday, but inside I was falling apart.  Experiencing this myself and knowing the pain that was inside I have a different perspective on things.  So consider this when you feel quick to judge and in place of making a judgement share an act of kindness.

Because of my life's experiences I choose to LOVE and not JUDGE.  Today, tomorrow and everyday,  make a conscious effort to apply SIMPLE Random Acts of Kindness.  It doesn't matter to whom you choose, whether it would be a family member, a friend or an absolute stranger, but gift them.

Here are some ideas of simple random acts of kindness:

1. Do something special for your husband that would show him your love…  A note in his lunch box – his favorite baked treat – a little longer snuggle in the morning…
2. Take a special moment with your child today…  Time spent doing something they love to do (even if it is something you don't care much to do ) – a special treat with their lunch – a special walk – a special book at bedtime…
3. Send your friend a note to let them know they are thought of.
4. A smile for a stranger
5. Offer to take a fellow shopper's cart back to the store for them.
6. Pick up the penny the person in front of you dropped at the checkout.
7. Take a meal to a sick neighbor