Anybody got a friend like that? From me to you — free printables too!
Probably one of the things I struggle with most are relationships. Relationships are not easy. I don't necessarily mean romantic relationships but just relationships with certain people in general. Sometimes I get discouraged because I feel like I am putting in 110% and sadly, for whatever reason, very little if anything is given in return.
I recently listened to a church sermon that was about how Jesus gave others the opportunity to have a relationship with Him but in spite of his invitation there are numerous examples where for whatever reason the person decided not to get to know Jesus. Obviously, this isn't anything against Jesus, it's something to do with the person who has been invited.
So obviously, I can't compare the opportunity to have a relationship with me to having a relationship with Jesus but I can learn from this situation.
What if I decided that when putting forth my best human effort to develop these relationships at some point, I try to take a page out of Jesus's book and make it known that I would like to have a relationship but if it is not reciprocated, to just do my best to continue to be open without getting discouraged or taking it personally? For me at least, this is definitely easier said than done, and living out this concept is very much still a work in progress.
However, I feel like there is something to this model that Jesus provides and if He can readily offer love, friendship, and salvation even though there are people who despise Him and are ultimately instrumental in His torture and death, maybe I can try to offer love without fear as well.
I pray I can find the right balance of offering love to others without concern for their reaction and maybe my actions can be a small representation of Jesus’ love and ultimately help lead others to Him. Amen.
As a way to encourage you (and myself) to spread kindness to others, I am offering a FREE Random Acts of Kindness Bingo Challenge Card! I suggest creating multiple cards for the different people (or groups of people) in your life. Feel free to share any of your favorite ways to spread kindness!! Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Spread kindness to:
Friends
Family
Acquaintances
Co-workers
Strangers
Anyone in your life who may be challenging (If you need a little motivation for this one, feel free to treat yourself to something special – after all, you should be kind yourself as well)!
Kindness ideas:
Send a letter, text, or email and let someone know you are thinking of them
Invite someone on a walk, for coffee, or to your house
Leave kind comments on other people’s social media or compliment someone in person
Leaving coupons for a restaurant or store you're visiting
Hand out small value gift cards
Leave a nice note for your mail carrier or someone else who regularly helps you
Look for volunteer opportunities in your community or that you can do from home (by searching for virtual opportunities)
Pick up litter in public places
Smile at everyone you see for a day
Donate items through a local thrift store or online (like Facebook groups/ marketplace)
Leave a positive review online for a local small business
Ask someone to play a game with you
Bake cookies and write a note for others
Hold the door open for someone
Ask someone what is on their to-do list and help them accomplish it
Create window art, chalk art, or post something to social media that shares a positive message
Paint a rock with a picture, quote, or joke and hide it around town for someone to find
Tell someone the qualities that you like about them
Ask someone how they are doing and really listen to their answer
Help a neighbor with something (shoveling, taking out the trash, etc.)
Donate a can (or two) of food to a food pantry
