Dare to be statement: I look for opportunities to serve, big and small.

I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. ~ Edward Everett Hale

A simple act of kindness done by my 7 year old son reminded me it is those simple day to day occurrences that truly shape someone’s character. It is often the little things that make life big.

I will share just one of the many special moments this week. In Teagan’s class we offer a reward for positive behavior, kindness, helpfulness and so on. The children have to earn 4 “awards” to be able to trade them in for a special prize. There is a young girl who just came recently, and so she only has received two tickets. Yesterday she saw someone else getting a prize and came to get one too. I had to explain to her that she needed to wait until she had four awards; at this she was visibly upset. Her mom further explained to her how the awards work and said maybe she would get one next week. However, she still needed two awards to choose a prize. Awhile later as I was cleaning up Teagan came to me and said, “Mom, I want to give Ashtyn one of my awards so that next week she can get a prize because I know she only has two and that won’t be enough.” I stopped what I was doing and had to hold back the tears, these are the moments in a mother’s life that you cherish. I had not mentioned a word to him; he had just observed what was taking place and then had found a way to help all on his own. So together we went, took an award, crossed his name out and put Ashtyn on it then placed it in her pile. I am so grateful for his example.

How often do we pass by a simple act of kindness not considering the great impact it could have? How many times do we feel like we should call someone, or stop by with some goodies, or just say hello, yet we are too busy to take the time? How often do you push a thought out of your mind with the response, I will do that later and then later never comes? We all want to make a difference and may feel overwhelmed at the many needs around the world, and yet there are many little things we can do to make a change for the better within our own homes, schools and communities. The big things are important, but we must also be aware of the little things that make a big difference.
This week I dare you to:

• Listen to your heart when you feel like you should do something, stop and do it. Don’t let the opportunity to serve pass you by.
• Try doing one simple act of service every day this week.
• Call someone you have been meaning to connect with but haven’t made the time to do it.
• Let someone know just how important they are to you.
• Smile.