Aside from this there is general cleaning that must be done. Houses do not like being left un-attended and after everything comes in, you have to put it all away, and inevitably there are dust bunnies that have moved in with the occasional cobweb, etc!
Sometimes this is a problem even when a family doesn’t travel. They are in their home most of the time (and when illness is present, even more so), and still keeping up can be problematic! Yet we are often reminded to use our time and talents to the best of our abilities.
How can we do that? Illness including the COVID issue, has our lives of helping our neighbors, non-profits, and other ways to pay it forward, altered. It’s frustrating! Even many of our workplaces have changed; we work from home. Almost everything, at some level is done via the internet.
Another element of ‘time and talent’ includes ‘treasure.’ Some people call this our reputation. It’s what we stand for and what we believe, and even how we live our lives. As we reflect on our past, we probably can recall people who have not only lived their lives in ways that influenced ours, but also were deliberate in providing guidance. Some may have helped us unaware; or at least to a point, unaware.
Can you recall a teacher, another person in a different profession, a relative, neighbor or even a stranger who influenced what you believe and how you live your life? Perhaps there was something that specifically influenced you to follow your chosen career. They shared their ‘treasure’! Is there a way you could pay it forward to someone else?
What about someone who has shared their faith? Do you consider that your ‘treasure’? It’s an amazing gift, and sometimes as Believers, we cringe when we think about sharing our story! But isn’t that what God wants us to do? Even if we don’t feel ‘theologically qualified’ we can share what God has done for us! We have a story to tell!
It may be a little challenging, but perhaps you could be creative. Along with ‘mentoring’ someone else, what about thanking someone for their input in your life? Each of these might be initiated by a hand written note (much more thoughtful than just an email), or via a phone call.
Our world has changed. But giving should not change. We are a people who do best when ‘we can give away’ the best of what we’ve gotten! I’m not talking about material goods (although that’s not bad either when we have more than we need!); but giving of ourselves, in whatever way we can. We still need to be good neighbors with kind hearts. Children still need to see that behavior so they can grow into ‘giving adults.’ It’s the way we were designed!
Be bold! Reach out with your particular treasure—something you can give away – of yourself--- a smile, kind word, help in a garden, cut a lawn, cook a meal or dessert and leave it for someone who may not have enough. (You may have to make contact with a person if you are leaving food!) Be creative! Take time to do what matters! Impact someone else’s life this week!
#kindness #RandomActsOfKindness #CreativeKindness #treasure #ChildrenLearn #TeachingChildren #GiveItAway
Photo Credit: free pics of sharing kindness
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