Pay it Forward

Today I finally got to be a part of a "Pay it Forward" line at Starbucks! If you don't know what that is, it is when the person ahead of you pays for your drink and then you pay for the person behind you. It is really neat to be a part of. Especially in our world where people pretty much keep to themselves it gives you an amazing feeling of community!

As I was driving away I couldn't help but feel very "Christmas-y". And although I couldn't really define that term in real words I will just say that it felt nice.

And it got me thinking about how I can give that feeling to others this year. Especially to those who maybe don't know Jesus. It made me realize that at Christmas time we really have an opportunity to be "light". What if Christmas time became a time of year when people couldn't ignore Jesus because His love was so obviously being displayed?

I know for us mommas with young kids serving can be hard. So, I thought of a few things we can do for others without taking away from our own families this season. And please add your ideas to the comments if you have some!

• pay it forward (or backwards!) at Starbucks or any other drive-thru
• leave cookies or a gift card in your mailbox for your mail carrier
• leave a special treat on the porch for the UPS and Fed-Ex delivery guy
• take cookies to the fire station or police department to thank those who serve our community
• leave an extra big tip for your waitress or waiter... or pizza delivery guy
• take time to WRITE (handwritten notes are so meaningful) Christmas cards to people in your life who might be lonely this time of year
• Buy fewer gifts for your own children and help them buy gifts for children in need (we were able to do this this year and it gave us an amazing teaching opportunity)
• Invite someone to your home for a meal or dessert that you know needs a friend right now
• "Ding dong ditch" your neighbors with a little gift basket of Christmas treats given anonymously
• And pray for God to show you who He wants you to bless this Christmas season! He will tell you who He wants to say a special "Merry Christmas" to!

Let's share the hope that we have this Christmas season. If you can't do anything else just smile at people and say "Merry Christmas"...

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."- Matthew 5:14-16