Roger's Remarks
It reminded me of the way we practice our Christian faith, which Paul expressed in a letter to his young friend Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Tim. 4: 7-8)
The writer of Hebrews echoes this mentality when he says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12)
Indeed, Jesus is our example of the power of positive leadership… he did the work so that we are able to enjoy the results of his success!
Second, I saw a quote about “random acts of kindness.” Did you know that November 13th is World Kindness Day? AND…there is also a RANDOM Acts of Kindness day on February 17!
It led me to think about the coming holiday season and all the ways we will try to show “kindness” to our loved ones. Maybe the “season of kindness” is one we could rush… maybe we could celebrate this season all year long!!
I looked up some “random acts of kindness” websites this week. Perhaps you might enjoy looking on the internet for ideas, also, but here are some suggestions to get you thinking….
Pay it Backward: buy coffee for the person behind you in line.
Compliment the first three people you talk to today.
Send a positive text message to five different people right now.
Post inspirational sticky notes around your neighborhood, office, school, etc.
Tell someone they dropped a dollar (even though they didn’t). Then give them a dollar.
Donate old towels or blankets to an animal shelter.
Say hi to the person next to you on the elevator.
Surprise a neighbor with freshly baked cookies or treats!
Let someone go in front of you in line, who only has a few items.
Leave a gas gift card at a gas pump.
I guess the ideas are limited to your creativity, so good luck… random acts of kindness are always in season while we are doing the work!
1 Thessalonians 5:28,
Pastor Roger