"Sometimes uplifting words left on answering machines or notes of support written on a postcard take only a minute or two of our time but can provide hours or even days of encouragement to others." - John-Roger, D.S.S.
In honor of this week, which happens to be Random Act of Kindness Week, as well as Valentine’s Day, this issue of the HeartFelt Global Network Bulletin is dedicated to the idea that we can all spread the Christ’s love and Light throughout the world in little ways everyday! As Mother Teresa said, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."
We are encouraged this week to not let an opportunity to serve and give a little loving go to waste. Be the loving, for as St. Francis said, "it is in giving, that we receive." Heartfelt service does not have to be huge and organized, it can be small and spontaneous–like giving your barista who looks a bit down in the dumps an extra tip or calling friends you haven’t spoken to in a long time just to tell them you love them. Doing little random acts of kindness so often puts into motion a chain of loving–so if someone does do something kind for you, pay it forward! Let’s keep the love chain strong!
Our Austin ministers involved in HeartFelt and HeartReach recently shared with HeartFelt some loving acts of kindness they’ve done together specifically around Valentine’s Day:
1. A group got together and made hand-made Valentines. We then delivered them to a nearby nursing center and hand-delivered them to the residents. Another year, we met and made flowers out of tissues and pipe cleaners. We then delivered them to a local nursing center and hand-delivered them to the staff and residents. The big smiles warmed our hearts and we enjoyed a nice outing together.
2. One year we had a HeartFelt chorus. We went to a local nursing center where we strolled the halls singing old-time favorite songs. We sang songs like: "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," "You Are My Sunshine," "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," etc. Residents, staff, and volunteers loved this. It was very touching to see the residents light up with such joy and sing along.
3. One time we met for breakfast at restaurant in downtown Austin and then gave those assembled street chalk, so that they could go out and draw hearts on the pavement around the heart of Austin. This too was a big success and fun!
4. One of the Austin Ministers also shared that they once bought a bunch of packages of water bottles to all keep in their cars to distribute to random homeless they passed by.
Thank you Austin, Texas for sharing these inspiring random acts of kindness!
"About the time you move into the consciousness of service, you start realizing that the first thing you have to do is TO LOVE. When you love, you don't look at anything as being a burden or a sacrifice, and you may not be overly concerned about the truth. And when you love, you're in an area of faith all the time, the living faith which is demonstrated continually." – John-Roger, DSS
Happy Valentines Day!
Skyler
HGN Mission
The HeartFelt Global Network’s mission is to help us connect globally through service, to gain a mutual understanding of our challenges, and to inspire each other by sharing our good works. Please contact me if you are inspired to share with our family around the globe about service in your community.
Sent with much Love and Light,
From Paul Kaye HeartFelt President & Skyler Patton HeartFelt Director