I recently met a family that is constantly blessing me. Mostly they use their words to share appreciation, but sometimes they make me things or cook things or just share a sweet thought. And I REALLY appreciate it. I wish more people did that.
It got me thinking of a book I read a long time ago... "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. The entire book is basically a challenge to find 1,000 things to be thankful for and through the process your life is changed. I started a thankful journal when I read the book, but only made it to about 200 before I gave up. I really want to start that back up again. It truly can be a life changing experience.
So on that note, I want to start being an encouragement. I recently wrote a post about feeling like a "failure" in life. And since then, not much in my life has changed in the direction that I would necessarily like, BUT I have learned (slowly, but surely) the importance of being thankful.
I am going to challenge myself again to the 1000 gifts challenge, but also to being a blessing to others. I think that goes hand-in-hand. I can't wait to see how much my attitude, mind, and life change!!
Here are some great ways to START to being a blessing to others:
- rake the neighbor's leaves
- cook a few extra pieces/plates of each meal and then deliver those to others
- LISTEN to others
- share an encouraging word with someone through text or email
- send a card/note in the mail just reminding someone you're thinking of them
- pray for others
For instance, there was a spice rub I made for some loved ones in my life. I was making the spice rub anyway for myself, so I made 1.5 times the recipe to split up for two people! They both loved it and felt loved by me. It's the little things.
