A Year of Serving Others

With the flip of the calendar, our thoughts shift to personal resolutions for the new year. But do we think enough about others? Maybe. Maybe not. During this leap year, we get a bonus day—366 days rather than 365—to make a difference in the lives of others. Let’s consider how, month-by-month, we can focus outside ourselves. We truly can be the hands and feet of Jesus through our words and actions. It just requires some thought, creativity, effort, and time.

JANUARY: Start the new year by gifting a friend or family member with a reminder of God’s abiding presence. A daily devotional such as Pathways—Moments with God, a mini inspirational desktop calendar or weekly uplifting texts/emails/cards show you care and that God does, too.

FEBRUARY: During this month of love, think beyond your closest circle. Then craft or purchase a valentine, buy a small gift and/or pen a note expressing your appreciation for that individual. I once delivered homemade heart-shaped cookies to a local shopkeeper who is always giving back to my community.

MARCH: My idea for March comes from family friends. Several years ago I awoke on St. Patrick’s Day to construction paper shamrocks decorating my yard and the message, You’ve been shamrocked! What fun. Fill someone’s yard with words of blessing printed on paper shamrocks.

APRIL: Easter presents the perfect opportunity to share with kids about Jesus’ love via Resurrection Eggs. Grab an empty egg carton, a dozen plastic eggs and fill those eggs with visuals—like coins (representing Judas’ betrayal of Jesus), a nail, a mini cross—and scripture telling the Easter story. Do this together. Then reinforce this message with an Easter activity or other book.

MAY: Several times I’ve received a May Day basket handmade by friends’ children and filled with treats. The kids loved dropping the basket on my steps, ringing the doorbell and then running away. I’m not suggesting you drop and dash, simply that you create and deliver a May basket to someone who would benefit from this sweet spring surprise.

JUNE: Buy an easy-care potted plant or two for someone who, because of age or other challenges, can’t garden. I write from experience about the joy in a friend’s gift of two pots brimming with bright red geraniums. With a family situation consuming my time and energy last spring into summer, I had no time to visit a garden center and was resigned to a color-less patio...until Jackie showed up with those beautiful potted flowers.

JULY: Summer abounds with activities from family reunions to concerts to community celebrations. I’ve attended plenty. But I haven’t always thanked those who work hard to create these fun and memorable events. This July, express your genuine gratitude to these individuals for their self-less efforts in planning and implementing summer activities.

AUGUST: Back-to-school necessities often stretch family budgets. So if you are in a financial position to help, do. Whether individually or through a community effort, you can ease the stress by purchasing school supplies, backpacks, even shoes and clothes for a child/children in need.

SEPTEMBER: As autumn arrives, the rush to complete outdoor chores begins here in Minnesota. Windows need washing, lawns require raking, gardens and flowerbeds need clearing. It’s an ideal time to grab a bucket, a rake, and other tools to assist neighbors with these tasks.

OCTOBER: This month we typically think of trick-or-treating and all that entails. But October also marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In my community, Ruth’s House (a shelter for women and their children in crisis) and HOPE Center (an advocacy center) are always in need of money and supplies. Find similar organizations in your area and support their work with cash or other donations.

NOVEMBER: Thanksgiving should be about more than us and our families and friends. It’s also about the greater communities in which we live. This Thanksgiving, give to the food shelf, volunteer at a community dinner, invite someone to your holiday meal who would otherwise be alone.

DECEMBER: Of all the months, December brings no shortage of ways to uplift and serve others. Donate to toy and food drives, adopt a family in need, ring bells for the Salvation Army, donate blood, visit a shut-in, deliver homemade cookies to someone, babysit for busy young parents so they can shop without kids, go caroling…

In 2020, we have 366 days to exemplify the love of Christ. I challenge you to do all you can this year to serve others. I also invite you to share your ideas in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.