Day 30

I DID IT! I managed to complete this challenge. I honestly didn't expect it to be this hard. And I really thought I would have made it a habit by now. I guess this proves that people really are selfish in nature. I had to fight myself, even toward the end to give, selflessly. It was a struggle to constantly think of others, and forget about my feelings, but I forced myself. I realized that I do NOT have what it takes to be a pastor's wife, at least, not at this time in my life. I know that God would give me that love and burden for others, if he gave me the role, but this month has shown me just how much it requires to be that sacrificial.
Well tonight, I baked banana bread. I plan to give it to an elderly couple in our church, who do without a LOT. Without money, without THINGS... yet they are so faithful in their attendance and giving. I hope I can encourage them. I hope I can bless them with this small token of love.
I have truly enjoyed reaching out to people in my life, that normally, most of them, I never talk to. I have touched people that needed to be touched, but they have touched my life as well. I found myself so blessed to be able to encourage. I felt so privileged to have the means, financially, physically, and emotionally, to do something for others. Yes, it was hard at times. Yes, it felt that I was giving more than I had, emotionally... but it just proved to me that when my strength is gone, HIS strength is perfect. I needed this. I might consider doing this challenge again, maybe once a year. I think it's important to get outside of ourselves for a while, and look for the needs of others. It is so easy to get stuck in our own little world. Maybe I didn't walk a mile in anyone else's shoes... but I took a look at the steps they take. I tried to identify with others, and imagine how they feel. I leave this challenge feeling blessed.
One of the responses that meant the most to me... just this last Wed night, a man came up to me, who I had recently delivered a "baked treat" to, said with tears in his eyes, "You will never know how much that meant to me. You will NEVER know. Thank you." I almost cried. He is right. I will never know. I don't know. I had no idea he (or his wife) needed that small gift. Just something to let them know I was thinking of them. Something to let them know they were loved, and simply, not forgotten. I hope I touched several lives through this challenge, but even if just one, that's enough. And if nothing else, I have changed myself. I might not be able to do something every day, but I have certainly trained myself to look for hurts in others, and tend to them. I have forced myself to be more aware, and to be an encourager. I find myself more tolerant of others, because I really do NOT know what they may be facing. I have a new perspective of my role in the church, and honestly, in life. I am here for others. I will do what I can. I am not here to judge, or to make anyone's life more difficult by my presence. I will do all I can to lift up. I will do my best to encourage. Always.
I hope I have helped.

Day 29

Well, almost done with my challenge. Just one more day to go.
Today, I wrote a comment via fb to a lady in our church who is very sick, facing dialysis, and in a lot of pain. I wish there was more than I could do but today, a reminder that she is being prayed for is what I can offer. I want her to know that her church family loves her and supports her, and cares for her well-being. I hope it helps.

Day 28

There is a middle aged woman who used to attend our church, but has since felt the need to attend a Spanish church. I miss her presence. I felt the need to say so. I left her a quick little note on her fb wall. I want her know that she is missed. I hope it helps... somehow.

Day 27

This post is a day late... yesterday, I found myself too tired, and too sick... and perhaps even too selfish to complete my challenge for the day. So I am making it up today. I wrote a note to a young girl in our church, who seems a little... lost. She is married, and has a young child... but doesn't have much family to speak of. Her parents kicked her out when she became pregnant and she has been forced to grow up a bit faster than she had planned. But she has clearly matured, and I see growth. I just wrote her a short note to let her know that she is appreciated and valued at our church, and that I am happy she belongs there. I don't know if she feels as out of place as she sometimes appears, but I want her to feel welcome. I would be so sad if she was lost, because I didn't do my job as her "encourager". So I hope it helps.

Day 26

I decided to branch out today. I chose to encourage someone in a new way. I have two friends who are merging their businesses. They have started a fb page for their new combined company. I decided to encourage them by suggesting to 150 of my friends that they become "friends" with this new business. I want them to know that they are supported. I have never done this... I rarely even accept friend requests from companies... but I felt they could use the encouragement, and hopefully, the potential business. It seems like a different kind of "good deed" but I felt it might help, in some small way.

Day 25

I made some cinnamon rolls today. I delivered them to a couple in our church, who does more for the church than anyone else. Alarm goes off... they get called (at all hours of the night). Leak in the roof? Overflowing toilet? Lightbulb burnt out? Broken... anything? Van driver, picking up saints and dropping them off after church? Sound-man? And that is just him. Organ player, children's choir leader, grandma who raises grandkids as if they are her own children... this is a very committed and giving couple. I have been wanting to give them some recognition for all they do. I feel as if my "gift" just isn't enough... but it's what I was able to do at this time. And apparently, it meant a lot. I already got a message that it brought tears to her eyes. I just hope it helps.

Day 24

I wrote another note today, to an older lady in our church who works at the front door as a greeter. While only 5 feet tall (approx), her smile is enough to reach great heights. She always has something positive to say, and somehow keeps a good attitude amidst the grumpiest of  people. I admire her for it. This I told her so.
I also received feedback on 4 of the previous notes. One said it mean so much to them. Another said it totally made her day. One, which I actually considered not giving, for the offense I somehow picked up by this person, said it was the nicest note she has ever gotten in her life. I really do hope this personal challenge is making an impact. I hope that I can help even one person feel loved, and encouraged by this. If I can help keep one soul saved, it's worth it.