How did this all start for me? Several years ago, we were getting ready for Christmas by doing the running around from store to store, trying to find the right size and color for one kid or another. While out and about, Kevin and I were also trying to find a needy family that we could give one of our gift envelopes to. In those moments of charitable giving, where we could see the expressions of surprise and gratitude, THAT is when it felt like Christmas. When my mother was sick, we would take baskets of goodies for the fellow chemo patients and leave it with a note. We would sometimes bring muffins or a basket of little tissues and chap stick, scarves...different things to cheer them up. It put a little smile on their face in a very bleak moment. For my mom and I, it brought us true joy - in a very bleak moment. So a few years ago, during Advent, I decided to do at least one act each day leading up to Christmas, to go beyond the usual being a nice guy. (As Catholics, Kevin and I celebrate Advent, the days leading up to Christmas, where you prepare your heart.) It created a feeling of reawakening in me that it made me want to do more. I thought that maybe other people would like to have that same wonderful feeling from giving from your heart in a deliberate way and started it on FB. We all enjoyed it so much that it was decided to do this group as a permanent, year round activity to inspire even more people. The holidays always seems to make people want to give, help others in need so what better time to jumpstart this mission than the start of the Christmas season. Advent begins in 9 days and I will be putting up a whole bunch of ideas but would LOVE your input. In addition, I turn 48 (YES!!! I know I am old) on December 2nd. This year, I want to celebrate my birthday by doing 48 Sparks of Kindess. I think that since I have so many years under my belt, I will have to do it during my birthday week instead of day! I am compiling a list that I will share with you, as I gather ideas. I would love your input. I think it would be AWESOME to have a day during the next month where we all go out and spark the flame. Perhaps we could use the list I make? Maybe we could do it during my birthday week. What a fantastic present to myself :) Would anyone be interested in joining in the fun? You could do it on your own, with your children or with friends or even meet up with people from this group. The list would include things such as scattering coins in a playground, leaving $5 with a Spark card taped to a gas pump, have your child draw pictures and deliver them (with cookies of course) to the nursing home, put a quarter on the gumball machine, bring magazines to the hospital waiting room,etc.....What do yall think?
Posted on: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 12:53:38 +0000