10 ACTS OF COMPASSION TO ENCOURAGE YOUR NEIGHBOR

I stood in my heels next to our Lexus as I talked with a woman on the sidewalk.  She sat in her wheelchair as she told me about her recent trials.  Pointing to her crunched up toes, she explained her feet hurt because she had to squeeze them into a pair of old shoes that were a size too small.

My heart remembered, “To whom much is given, much is required”.

I see it more everyday.  People counting their last pennies to pay for their groceries, or taking items out of their cart in order to pay for the minimal amount of food they need.  I see more and more children walking to school who have outgrown their clothing and their coats.

People are stretched financially and stressed out emotionally.  Although we have our own challenges financially and emotionally as a family, we have so much in comparison.  What can I do with my resources: my time, my extra change, for the good of my neighbors?

1. Be aware of someone struggling to pay for their groceries in the grocery line.  Discretely offer to pay for them.
2. Offer to wrap gifts and help write letters at a local home for the elderly.
3. Cook and deliver a meal together to someone recovering from surgery or physical limitations.
4. Adopt a family in need:  buy a meal card or a Target card, and deliver it anonymously.
5. Collect canned foods while Christmas Caroling and deliver it to the local food shelter.
6. Christmas Carol, play musical instruments or create a dance or drama for a nursing home.  Give out lotion, chapsticks or personal artwork.
7. Read for children at a local hospital or library.
8. Whenever you buy a coat or shoes for yourself or children, give away the extra coat or shoes you own.
9. Babysit for a single parent.  Give mom or dad a mental break and invite their child to hang out in your home.
10. Give a special needs family a break and offer to watch their child for a few hours or overnight for a much-needed getaway.

How do you serve your neighbors?  What simple things can you do this week to incorporate a lifestyle of compassion?

BONNIE CHRISTENSEN

Woman Gone Wise

10 ACTS OF COMPASSION FOR KIDS AGE 10 AND UNDER

In a series of posts, “A World Beyond ME”, we will look at 40 acts of compassion for kids and their families.  Today, we are considering 10 Acts of Compassion kids age 10 and under can engage in with their families.

Because you want your children to grow in their capacity for compassion, allow them to have their creative input in your service choice.  Come alongside them as you serve, nudging them to take initiative.

While you participate in acts of compassion with your family, be aware you are a role model as you enjoy the service. Your kids are watching your interactions,  your attitudes ,and your acceptance of others. Don’t forget to let your kids use their own hands and feet and voice!  This is the best way for them to build upon their confidence and ability to care for others.

1. Run or walk with an organized 5k to support your favorite charity:  Special Olympics, Breast Cancer Research, Run to Feed the Hungry
2. Raise your own funds to support your favorite charity through garage sales, car washes, or another creative idea.
3. Mow the lawn together, shovel snow off a sidewalk or take out the trash for an elderly neighbor.
4. Share your talents or play games and cards with folks at a local home for the elderly.
5. Find out about shut-ins at your church who may need errands run, a homemade dinner,  items fixed, windows cleaned or junk dumped.
6. Serve dirty water at dinner, and then talk about raising or saving money for many people who do not have clean drinking water or wells (www.thewaterproject.org)
7. Create artwork to thank someone or encourage someone in need of some emotional support.
8. Do a family member’s chores at home.  Consider doing it on the sly or leave a special “anonymous” note.
9. Bring baked goods to the local fire station and create a handmade thank you card.
10. Donate your old books to a child in need.  Pick up an extra coloring book at the store.  Consider local churches, shelters, libraries or Head Start to bring your donation.

We would love to hear your ideas and experiences engaging your children ages 10 and under in compassionate acts!  Please add to the list your ideas.

BONNIE CHRISTENSEN

Woman Gone Wise