My family recently enjoyed some vacation time together. Each of us spent a bit of time enjoying our hobbies. My wife, Aimee, had a conversation with our older daughters about showing appreciation to others and during this conversation; she challenged them to find a way to show others they appreciated them. The girls chose to honor local law enforcement officers. My oldest daughter, Ella Kate, has recently begun the hobby of baking cupcakes. It is a hobby that is appreciated by the whole family. She immediately put together a plan to bake and decorate a batch of cupcakes. Mary Beth went to work creating a pen-holder out of a paper towel roll.
Both girls were elated to be using their gifts to show their gratitude. In a couple of hours, they were ready to share their gifts with the recipients. Ella Kate had made some of her best cupcakes yet and topped them off with American Flag decorations. Mary Beth had fixed the best pen-holder fashioned with neon orange Duck tape. The girls delivered their gifts to the police chief’s home. Later in the evening, they made another delivery to former classmates of Aimee’s who serve the community as a Sheriff’s Deputy and as a Highway Patrol Dispatcher.
It was exciting for me to see our girls work so hard to bring joy to so many people. The officers that they reached out to were blessed by their generosity. Our daughters were also blessed. They saw that kindness made a difference simply by expressing their appreciation. We definitely made memories to last a life time on our vacation this year, and the day our girls went the extra mile to share God’s love with others was definitely among the best of them!
Kindness makes a difference in the lives of the people who receive our gifts and in the lives of those who are intentional about offering their gifts for others’ benefits. I want to encourage you to take some time over the next few days and give your gifts away. It will make a joyful difference in many lives.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
