A Day of Service, or a Lifetime of Service?

9. Help clean up your part of the world.  As a family, work together to clean up the trash surrounding your neighborhood.  If you’re truly ambitious, involve other families in your neighborhood in the project.  You can also check your local community listings for clean-up events in your area.  Often rail-trail paths and parks need help with annual clean-up projects.

10.  Practice random acts of kindness for an entire day. Open the door at the post office for the person struggling under the weight of three packages.  Smile and say hello to every person you meet.  Bake cookies for your child’s teacher, your neighbor, or your office mates.  Clean the bathroom without being nagged to do it.  Allow the harried parent to go in front of you in the grocery line.  You’ll be surprised at the ripple effect of kindness these small acts can bring.

So, now that you’re armed with these 10 practical suggestions for service, I’ll give you the same homework assignment I gave my preschoolers.  On January 19, do one kind thing for someone else.  Like the children I teach, you might listen to your mom, make your bed without being asked, or vow not to fight with your sister.  Or, you might take one of these ideas I’ve listed and put it into action.  Who knows, you might enjoy it so much, that January 19 becomes, not an isolated instance of service in your life, but one of many such rewarding days in your life.  Go forth and serve!  The possibilities are endless and the rewards beyond your wildest imaginings.