It was a busy day and I was trying to keep it all together. I had just made snack for my toddler, who was now busy eating away. I attempted to quickly make a snack for myself, along with a drink of water as my baby cried in his high chair waiting for his next request to be met. As I poured the water, God whispered when you serve yourself, someone else misses out. It was such an easy, yet powerful truth, reaching far beyond serving my kiddos.

It is vital to keep yourself balanced and centered in Christ but putting yourself first is not what Christ had in mind. Scripture says that the first will be last and the last will be first (Matt 20:16). Serving others is what makes life worth living. It keeps you focusing on the needs of others and thankful to God for meeting yours. No matter what stage of life you are in, or what ailments you have, there is always someone else to serve. Someone who can benefit from your awesome self. Someone you can help.

I am HUGE proponent of random acts of kindness, really any act of kindness is fabulous but the random ones are my favorite. God is able to be given the glory, as opposed to your name, even if you are being obedient to his guiding. There is something about doing something for others that just feels good.

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3

People notice kind. They notice when you hold the door open for them, as you steer your double stroller through. They notice the smile you pass as you walk by. The encouraging words you speak. The compliments. They notice. And it may even rub off on them an on to someone else. So keep it close.

Here is a teeny, tiny idea list to get you thinking:

Small notes of encouragement for waiter/waitress with tip: money is always appreciated but words are powerful and not soon forgotten.

Notes for neighbors: simple thank you for the beautiful flowers they are growing in their front yard or thanks for being such awesome neighbors, your choice. Yummy snacks pair well here.

Thank you note to firemen: a card pairs well with cookies, too. You may even get a tour of the station, unless they are leaving for a call...

Encouraging note in library book: who doesn't like to find some fun words?

Notes on cars in parking lot: a few words on their windshield that is not a hit and run note, win-win.

Write an encouraging note and send to an unknown recipient: it will get to where it needs to be.

Order dessert for another table when eating out: our family favorite.

Praying that God opens your eyes to the little opportunities that await you, and that you would say yes. Praying that you find a little more kindness in others and in yourself. That you would get outside of you. I am sure you will find yourself smiling a little extra, too. Life is about connecting with others and sharing Christ's love and what better way than with some kindness as a foundation.

Here's to praying for God to give you opportunities to serve others and give what you can. Here's to more fun in giving kind words.

Perhaps a post card or two will help to motivate you to start writing.

p.s. do not forget to wear your smile today, it looks good on you.