Spread Some Cheer

Exactly one week ago today I was frantically cutting up veggies for a very large feast we were going to attend. While I was slicing and dicing Scott was moving about the kitchen, and if I'm being honest, he was kind of in my way. I was so focused on what I was doing, and what needed to be done for our family's gathering for Thanksgiving, that I didn't pay much attention to what Scott was doing.

While arranging my veggie tray to resemble a turkey Scott and Marcus decided to go for a little ride and give our family vehicle a much needed washing.

After what seemed like ages of the guys being gone, they finally came back home. I was still in my pjs, still working on the perfect vegetable turkey. Because that was so important…

I asked what had taken the guys so long. Certainly a car wash doesn't take 30 minutes.

Scott recapped where they'd driven, where the car had gotten a wash, and he quietly mentioned that he and Marcus had sought out a homeless man. Scott had prepared a turkey sandwich, some fruit, and a few pieces of chocolate to give to someone who wasn't going to enjoy a dinner with his or her family on Thanksgiving. The two drove around until they saw someone who was likely going to spend their day alone, and likely without a real meal.

I faltered in my food prepping. Here I was, worried about how my silly vegetable tray was going to look, when so many weren't going to enjoy the holiday like we were.

Something tells me Scott does this sort of thing often. However, he never talks about it (you know the Bible verse: don't let your left hand know what you're right hand is doing). He has one of the biggest, most generous hearts. He seeks out those who may not be as fortunate as we are. Scott's compassion and attitude amaze me, and I strive to be more like him.

Courtney posted a story on a social media site about a little girl who is very ill, and simply wanted Christmas cards sent to her. The article got me thinking… During the month of November there are all sorts of ways we express how we are thankful or grateful for what we have. But it's almost as if once November is over the attitude of thanks and giving kind of falls by the wayside.

So, I'm challenging everyone to continue that expression of gratitude beyond November. What if we all expressed our thanks all year long?

I found a few ways to do just that, and most take just a little time with relatively little or no cost.

Scott actively sought out someone. I'm taking the search out of things and making it easier. Here is a short list of a few ways you can boost someones holiday cheer, now and all year long:

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• To read more about the little girl who is ill, as well as to send her a Christmas card, click this link.
• Many of our service men and women won't be home for the holidays. Perhaps slip a card or two to someone overseas to brighten their holiday season.
• Donate to Toys For Tots.
• Donate gently used winter coats.
• Clear the clutter in your home (if you're like us, after the holidays you're not sure where you're going to put the new stuff) and donate to The Salvation Army. They will even pick up large items!
• Volunteer your time (all throughout the year) to a local food kitchen and/or pantry.
• Have formal gowns you won't be wearing again? Donate them! There's even free pick up if you don't have time for a drop off.
• Give blood.
• Search for other great ways to give, donate, and volunteer HERE.

There are just a few ways to help this season, and all year long. If there's a special cause or charity you regularly donate/volunteer to, let me know! I'll add it to the list!