love.

What is it about growing older that makes us sometimes become more reserved about showing and giving love when it should be the opposite. Because my boy is so willing to give love, I have noticed I am reserved in giving love. It is because I make the excuses of trying to be "respectful" or "proper." Three incidents have happened in the last 2 weeks that I have been amazed with.

1. We were in the grocery store stopped in one of the aisles while I was getting something off the shelf. When I turn around and see Nixon hugging this little 5 year old girl. I said, "Oh Nixon that is so nice you want to hug people, but sometimes we don't need to hug everyone..." Do we?

2. While in the children's section in the library, I was sitting on the little bench right by Nixon who was playing with a toy we always spend some time at. When a little girl around his age came up to play as well. He played with her for a few minutes, then randomly gave her a hug and attempted a kiss. I was there to stop the kiss from happening... Should I have?

3. Yesterday we were at a garage sale. A little boy probably around 3 years old was at the house. Nixon told him some cool stories, of course about how fast his Lightning McQueen car can go. Then as I was looking at some things, he gave him a hug and planted a kiss on the little boy's forehead. The little boy looked at him for 10 seconds, and then with excitement said, "He likes me!"

Looking back on the 3 incidents, I felt awkward. My thoughts were, we don't know them, they could be crazy, etc. But why do I? Yes, they are perfect strangers, but why not treat them with love?

The challenge is to say Hi, or notice someone who is a perfect stranger who could use a hello, hug or smile. Reach beyond any walls you have created... maybe they don't need to be there.

sympathy.

My little Nixon is very tender hearted. Anytime he sees or hears someone crying, he looks at them intently and asks, "he sad?" And he will proceed with a bout of fake crying himself. He does this especially when other children are crying. His reaction to others sadness amazes me because I feel he sympathizes with them and wants to help them through their struggle.

As I thought about how sweet and sympathetic he is, I came up with the new challenge of finding someone who is struggling with any type of hardship right now. It could be ailing health, stresses with money, loneliness, etc. Keep your eyes and hearts open to an understanding of something that they need, and do it! If you do not know of someone who is struggling, you could find someone at the grocery store, walking on the street, or at work. Even if your act of sympathy is as simple as complimenting someone you don't know, keep your heart open.

Feel free to post comments of ideas you have of acts of sympathy.

GOOD LUCK!

gratitude.

Although my little Nixon may be confused on exactly how to use the words... He says, "Thank you" very often. He even says it for you if he gives you something to hold or play with. His many thank you's throughout the day led me to my first realization of how I can become better by following Nixon's example... say thank you... very often. I have been wanting to thank some people, some for over 9 months, and have not taken the time to do so. Now is the time!

So the challenge is to write a thank you note, send an email, or make a phone call to those people in your life you have wanted to say thank you to, but just have not gotten around to it. Or to those people you would typically not express thanks to. Also, have a continued reminder to say your thank you's right when you think of them, just as a child does.

For this challenge, I have decided to send some cards to a few people.

#1 - My Sunday School teacher who amazes me with his knowledge, ability to teach and inspire me to become better. True talent that I would like to show appreciation for.

#2- A close friend in my neighborhood who has done so much for me just because that is the way she is. She has a little boy Nixon's age and one day they drove over with the cutest homemade cupcakes to give to Nixon just for fun. She helped me with a craft project... well basically made it for me! And there is so much more I need to thank her for.

#3 - My dearest husband who, simply put, is my rock. He is spread so thin with time and energy right now with work, summer school work and finals, church work, service, being a good father and husband, and yet every time I call him at work he is positive, upbeat, and excited to talk to me. He comes home and even though I can see in his eyes he is drained, he plays with our boy. He volunteers for us to do service, he uplifts all those around him. And he loves me so deeply.

I try to thank him with words, notes on his napkins in his lunch, little emails for him to read at work...but I have wanted to sit down and right a long heart-felt thank you to him for all that he means to me. He deserves it like everyone else.

Good luck with this challenge and feel free to share your experiences by posting!