#LighttheWorld

Our church has been doing an incredible project this holiday season. They've challenged all who are interested in taking 25 days to serve in 25 different ways. A short 30 second message can be viewed on social media every day with a different challenge, each encouraging us to serve and love as Christ did during His mortal ministry. Simple things, but when people everywhere start showing random acts of kindness, it can really start to have an impact. For me, while we haven't done every day with complete fidelity, we have tried as a family to do small things this season to get us outside of ourselves in our thinking, and it has had a wonderful impact on our family. It's had a simple yet profound impact on me. I think what I've learned is that there are so many opportunities that present themselves every day and allow us to be the Lord's eyes and hands. Watching these short clips encouraging me to show compassion or honor my parents has me paying closer attention to the people around me, and when you do that you start to realize a couple of things:

1. People, for the most part, are good and decent. We bought the cereal for the man behind us at the grocery store, and he bought the doll Ella was begging me for but I told her no. I simply told him to pay it forward, and he did just that right then and there. It was a beautiful lesson for my children to see that when you show kindness very often you have kindness returned towards you. This season of #LighttheWorld has opened my eyes to the goodness of others.

2.  There are truly opportunities to do good everywhere you go. And typically it doesn't have to be some grand gesture, just a simple kindness. A smile to brighten someone's day, a compliment that is heartfelt, patience when someone or something is taking longer than you think it should. When others ask for your prayers, pausing and taking a moment to say an honest and sincere prayer on their behalf. There is much heartache and sorrow that we experience as part of this life journey. We can't solve all the worlds problems, but we can do our small part to lift the weary, clothe the naked, give site to the blind, and #LighttheWorld!

On this eve of Christmas Eve (aka Dec 23rd), I am touched as I think about the great blessings in my life. My beautiful family and wonderful extended family, friends who I have deeply treasured memories with, a beautiful home, my health and the health of my loved ones, and other material blessings and comforts. Really, when I think about it, all that I have comes from God, and everything I have is already His, so what can I give to Him? What gift will I lay before the babe in the manger? Maybe this year I will try to keep this perspective through out the year? Maybe I will look for small ways to serve and love those around me. To be His hands, His eyes, that I may one day love as He loves, and become more as He is. So if you ever read this, please join me and help me light the world through kindness, love, and service towards your fellow man. Merry Christmas!!!