You're B.A.C.K. (Blessed by an Act of Christian Kindness)

by Sally Matheny

Blessed by an Act of Christian Kindness

 Kindness breaks through barriers. One act of kindness can turn a person's day around. Just one thoughtful deed has the potential to open up a whole, new life for someone.  

This week I'm reposting an article I wrote about this time last year. It prompted an overflowing of two-way blessings. I thought it would be beneficial to post it again.  

     



There are many stories about random acts of kindness. I heard about a family waiting until their neighbor went to work. Then, they secretly placed a festive welcome mat at the neighbor's front door. The children in this family liked giving in secret; much like that St. Nicholas fellow did long ago.     

Kind deeds are a great way to concentrate on other people rather than ourselves.Children, who are constantly adding to their wish lists, are prime candidates for this type of family project. Not expecting anything in return, not even recognition, will keep the giver humble and focused on the giving.

There are plenty of cards and tags to print from the internet and leave for the recipients of your random acts of kindness.  
    
However, for my family's secret giving, I wanted to create a different kind of tag. I desired to add a twist of faith—something that told about the ultimate act of kindness—that of Jesus Christ. 

The result is a card that begins: “You’re B.A.C.K.! (Blessed by an Act of Christian Kindness). The card ends by sharing about God's greatest act of kindness and how it isn't random at all, but intentional.

Perhaps your family would like to secretly bless someone. Feel free to use my "Blessed by an Act of Christian Kindness" card below. The selection of wording allows year-round use of the card, not just for Christmas:

You’re

B.A.C.K.!

(Blessed by an Act of Christian Kindness)

You've been blessed by an act of Christian kindness.

You’ve heard of people doing

random acts of kindness, right?

Good news!

The best acts of kindness are from God.

But his deeds are never random.

Because God loves us so much,

he intentionally  sent his only Son,

Jesus Christ to save us.
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

When life ends here on earth,

whoever believes in him

will live forever

in heaven.

We hope you enjoy God’s blessings.

    
I purchased an inexpensive, bulk pack of foam angels. After printing out the card, I trimmed it to fit, and glued it onto the angel. You may think of other ways to create your cards. Children can add drawings or stickers if they like.

Decide who will receive the blessings. Some things work better with people you know well. While other ideas work just as well with strangers.

What will your blessing be? If you know the person, consider things they need or enjoy. 

Is it a new mom? Consider leaving a bag of paper products for fast and easy cleanup. 

Is it a single parent? Perhaps baked cookies and the ingredients for homemade icing--a fun activity for the parent to do with the kids later.

The college kid? Surprise them with a small, artificial tree with ornaments sitting outside their dorm room or pre-pay for a pizza and have it delivered to them.

The waiter? Double the tip. The cashier? The butcher? Warm gloves or a gift certificate. 

Someone who recently had surgery? Craft supplies, movies, music, books!

Here are a few more ideas:

Concert or movie tickets

Coffee mug with a sampler pack of coffee

A roll of quarters

A devotion book

Gift certificates

Something hand-made

Rake their leaves while they’re at work

Hang a wreath on their front door

Leave flowers or a potted plant, candy or a gift basket

Mail them a sheet of stamps 

     

Consider leaving gift certificates under the windshield wipers on various cars in a parking lot. 

Or, if you own a business, paper clip the Christian Kindness card to a note and ask them to bring the card to the business for a free _______. (cupcake from the bakery, sandwich from the deli, car wash, haircut, etc.) 

If you wish, you can tell the recipient the gift was pre-purchased by someone who wishes to remain anonymous.

Occasionally, our family has watched from a distance when someone found their angel attached to a surprise gift. They look around with a huge smile to see who blessed them. Their delighted expressions prove to us it is better to give than to receive. What joy we felt!

     

Go ahead. Secretly bless someone. You can be as creative or simple as you like. Don't underestimate the power of kindness--it can change someone's day--and it might be your day. 

Pray about it. Add Christian faith to the deed. It may even change someone's eternity.