The Gift of Giving

StacyRae Mednick December 2nd, 2016

Can you believe that it is December 2016? I can’t. When I look back at how fast this year went by, I realized that life in general is going fast. It’s hard to believe that the year is nearly over and yet that is exactly what is happening.

Time isn’t something we can control. We all have the same amount of hours in the day but what we do with our time is extremely important. Every day is a gift and should be treated as such. A new day allows us to start over with fresh breath in our lungs, puts yesterday behind us, today as our focus, and tomorrow as our future. What really matters most is that we have the opportunity to make a difference every day, everywhere we go, and with everyone we meet. This holiday season, when you are out and about, I would like to encourage you to think about little ways that you can be a difference maker. I call this?T.T.O.L. (Tiny Touches Of LOVE)!

With December being one of the busiest times of the year and the emphasis on buying gifts, spending lots of money & being stressed to the max, why not think of little?T.T.O.L. gestures that could be life changing for someone. You really don’t have to go anywhere special to do this. You can just integrate it into your everyday life. If you are out and about and see a stranger or run into one of your neighbors on an early morning walk, that could be a great opportunity to stop and say, “Hello”, or smile as you pass by. In today’s world we often don’t even take time to make eye contact anymore because we are in such a hurry or looking down at our phones. Something as simple as that can brighten someone’s day.

I would like to encourage you to think of things that are simple, free and yet of great value. Just take the time to show you care. So go ahead smile at that homeless person, offer to buy them a coffee or a sandwich, open the door for an elderly person, offer to have someone go in front of you at the grocery store just because, or pay it forward by buying the person’s coffee behind you at Starbucks.

I enjoy doing T.T.O.L. random acts of kindness all throughout the year, but for the month of December I would like to encourage you to try it. Hugs are free and human touch is so powerful it can bring someone hope, and there is not price tag on bringing hope to someone who is hopeless.

This time of year brings on a lot of emotions for all of us and so many people struggle this time of year for many reasons. It is a joyful time of year but also a challenging time of year for so many that are alone, suffering, addicted, homeless or whatever the situation may be.

Prayer is something that is very powerful and free. If you believe in prayer then please pray for those you love and even those you don’t know. When I see someone that I don’t know maybe a homeless person, homeless youth or someone with a sign that says, I’m hungry, I know I can make a difference by praying for them. It may not be able to solve their situation, but God hears all our prayers and he can do mighty miracles with them.
So this holiday season gift the gifts that matter, a little time and little?T.T.O.L. it will bring you joy and your heart will be full.

PAY-IT-FORWARD