{Challenge Issued}

I know posting twice in one day isn't like me at all...much less posting once in one day! HA! But this morning I got a call from a girlfriend with an interesting request. We started talking about the rough times we seem to all be going through. Whether it be the economy, family life, illness, money...whatever. We all have struggles, we all have bad days, we all have burdens that weigh heavy on our lives. So, she put a challenge on me. A challenge that is simple really, and a concept that has been around for a while but not implemented enough. We have become a society of BIGGER, BETTER, MORE. In this process we have forgotten about each other. I myself am beyond guilty of using emails, texts, twitter, IM's to communicate, over a good ole fashion face to face. It's easier, simpler. In our conversation we were talking about how people have just changed. We don't look at each other anymore, people don't hold other people in as high regard as they should. Respect for others is now just an idea and not an action. I make it an effort to still do these things that I find important, mainly because it's the way I was raised and because it's the way I raise my children. We hold doors for others, say please and thank you, yes ma'am, no sir. These are things that are incredibly important, manners and common courtesy are dwindling. So, because I believe so firmly in the idea that we can be better - I am sharing the challenge.....

Between now and Christmas: show some love anonymously. Buy someone's coffee, donate to a good cause, drop off gifts to a family in need, take coats to a shelter. There are so many possibilities, it doesn't have to cost you a load. $5 may just be that blessing in someone's day. I promise you, it won't be the person you are gifting that is rewarded the most. Give of your heart this year.