Happy Palm Sunday! Recently a few readers inquired if I was still observing the Lenten season. In past years I have talked about what Lent was and participated in 40 bags in 40 days, among other posts. Giving Up or Giving Back.
But this year I have quietly been observing Lent while practicing the instructions given in Matthew 6:1-4. So I am NOT going to talk about what I have been doing to prepare my heart for the arrival of Easter. I will only say that it does not involve in giving something up~ like chocolate, alcohol or meat. But rather, giving something back.
Giving Up or Giving Back
I thought it might be nice though to provide others with simple ways they can give back as a way to create a thankful heart this Easter week. In a small way, by performing acts of service, it prepares within us a way to acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice and eternal gift that Jesus gave to every single one of us.
Simple ways to give back to your neighborhood.
Free: Smile and wave at everyone you see.
Free: Carry a plastic sack with you on your daily walk. Challenge yourself to fill it up with trash.
A few dollars: When the local nursery advertises 99 cent spring flowers load up and then anonymously share the joy with your neighbors.
One better: carry a trowel with you on your walk. In your plastic bag carry a flower or two and plant them in the empty mailbox planter of the elderly neighbor.
Simple ways to give back to your community.
Free: When you spy the harried mother with a cartful of crying kids at the grocery store approach her with a smile and sincerely say “Hang in there. You are doing a great job!”
Free: Volunteer to do story time at your local library or donate gently used books to Reach Out & Read.
Free: Wish you had better DIY skills? Volunteer to help build a house. Habitat for Humanity will train you.
Free or low cost: Volunteer your time or talent to a worthy cause. It might be crafting cards for use in the church ministry or spending the day on the lake helping a disabled veteran return to his love of fishing.
Free or low cost: Spring cleaning your closets? Donate your business clothing to Dress For Success.
Low cost: Donate a bag of dog food or cat litter to your local shelter.
One better: Play with the kittens or walk the dogs at the Humane Society.
Simple Ways To Give Back To Your Country and World
Free: Give blood thru the American Red Cross.
Free: Register to become an organ donor. This one literally takes under TWO minutes to do.
Free: Have an old cell phone or laptop? The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence will either refurbish the item and resell it (raising funds for its anti-domestic violence programs) or simply pass it on to someone who desperately needs it.
Free: Extra airline miles or hotel loyalty points set to expire before you can use them? Donate them to the Make-A-Wish foundation and help make a wish come true for a child with a life-threatening medical condition.
Very low cost (only the cost of a stamp and paper): Not everyone will be with their families this Easter. Send a thank you note to our soldiers via Operation Gratitude.
Did you happen to notice the theme of the “One better” options? I promise you that these acts will give you twice as much (or more) happiness and satisfaction than what you initially give.
Now go spread some joy.
Laura
As long as I've known you, you always do all of these joyfully.
What a wonderful post. I am sure that is the spirit by which we should live.
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Great ideas! Thank you for sharing…
The act of generosity is a gift to both the receiver and the giver. There are some excellent suggestions here of which I was unaware. Thank you Laura.
I love this post almost more than I can say. I haven't really done anything this year but in the past I have practiced Random Acts of Kindness during Lent. Same concept but this has so many wonderful ideas. I love it.