Every morning, purposely pray that God will show you how you can make a difference in someone else’s life “this day”. One of the best things that will lift YOUR spirit is to do something for someone else - for the purpose of making a difference in that person’s day and without expecting anything in return. Philippians 1:9-11

There will be times that you won’t feel like it mattered to the other person (and that’s okay), but there will be many times that you will provide encouragement or a real lift to others. Then, watch for God’s blessings in your own life!!!

You might ask, “What can I possibly do that would make a difference in someone’s life?” First, oftentimes, it will come naturally. God will show you how you can best encourage another in that given place, at that given time. Other times, we need to be intentional. Below is a partial list of ideas you can use to reach out to someone, showing love in action. You can add your own ideas as time goes on.

• Start the day off with prayer for your family, then greet each one of them as if they were the most important people in the world to you. We always know they are but we don’t always show it. It’ll be a GREAT boost to start their day!
• Make, bake, or do something special that they can take through their day. Tuck a note, pack a healthy cookie, etc.
• Create a safe, inviting, happy environment for your family so at the end of the day, they will look forward to coming home.
• Beyond your immediate family… a simple, long-overdue phone call to a long-time friend or family member. It can be healing, restorative, or invigorating.
• Pray for one of your Coffee Cup Friends each day. Then, drop a postcard in the mail that let’s them know, “I Prayed for You Today” with a short note sharing why they are important to you, or, “Let’s do lunch!”
• Make some muffins and take small plates of them to all your neighbors (don’t get anxious about perfection). It’s the thought that counts.
• A quick visit can mean a lot (let them know up front you only have 10-15 minutes but wanted to say “hi”. Then, you can leave when you want or need to.)
• Invite a friend or someone new over for coffee or tea.
• Smile at everyone you meet while running errands. You just never know when that simple smile can turn around another’s day.
• Grab a book and buy some coffee at one of your favorite “hang-outs” where others gather and greet people as they go by (you just never know who God will send your way and strike up a conversation).
• Sincere compliments go a long way to building up a person’s morale.
• Give an extra special compliment to your waiter. Servers in restaurants or clerks in stores often take a lot of abuse throughout the day. Lighten their day by being interested in them and what they do. Keep it short, but, again, sincere.
• Make some ice cream sundaes and invite another family over you’ve wanted to get to know.

The list is endless and many times, as we said before, God will provide the person and He’ll given you the insight of how you can touch that person for Christ. Not only will you be a blessing to him or her, but you’ll most likely feel the joy, way down deep, yourself! Investing yourself into the lives of others may take a little time and effort, but the rewards are eternal!