R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Thoughts

"A grandmother in Cheyenne, Wyoming, spends her Christmas gift money on McDonald's certificates that she distributes to the homeless." ~ From Gorillas of Goodness by Mollie Nickell (172 little ways you can make a big difference in the world)

It's almost Christmas. Last minute trips to here and there are on most of our agendas for the next three days. I know I have more than I want to admit left to do. Today I'm going to bake. I can't wait to get started! Final stocking stuffers are on my list, too ... the fun, funky, even useful stuff! But first on my daily agenda is this blog. I got several early morning calls and e-mails, so I'm doing this later than usual. But I picked up a little book the other day called Guerrillas of Goodness Handbook. It's full of specific little ways that people all over the country are doing good or being good to others. And I thought, "Isn't this what Christmas is really all about?" It's not so much the things we give, but the process of giving. The attitude of generosity. It's as good for us as it is for the person who is on the receiving end. The introduction to this little book has this to say, "You see, the most amazing thing happens when you spontaneously open your heart to help another. You feel happy. The recipient feels happy, loved and valued. It's absolutely contagious --viral goodness." It's like the ad on television where one act of kindness inspires another. Let's get this contagion of goodness started in our own heart and our own action today. Do some simple, unexpected act of kindness for some completely unsuspecting person who can never pay you back and see how much better you feel.

"God blesses those who are kind to the poor. He helps them out of their troubles." ~ Psalm 41:1 (The Living Bible)