As we go through this holiday season I keep seeing people saying, “Pay it forward. Be a blessing to others.”
I feel we should do this very thing. But, it makes me think, why are we just doing this during the holiday season? Why do you only hear about it during this time?
Don’t get me wrong I am all about helping people out, especially kids. I don’t want any to go hungry or have nothing for the holidays.
I know there are people that work very hard and still struggle for one reason or another. We should be the person that can help them out.
Here is where I am going with this line of thinking. Why do we wait to help people out at this time of the year? Don’t you think they need help other times also?
During this past year, I have watched and done some things that I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to do. I have paid it forward during the whole year, not just the holidays. I am not saying this to toot my own horn. I am saying because we need to help all year long.
Also, we need to do these things in private. Others don’t need to know what you are doing, who you are helping, or what you are giving to. The Bible records in Matthew 6:3, “Don’t let the left hand know what the right hand is doing.” If you have to publicize all that you are doing then are you doing it for the wrong reason.
We need to help people all year long. This could help them from going into depression or being stressed out. Paying it forward could help people feel the weight being lifted off their shoulders. Life is tough and even more tough when you are struggling. We don’t need to embarrass anyone and go public. When you bless others doesn’t it come back 100-fold? I know my blessings do.
I feel even a kind word will help a person just make it through the day. Some have to take life minute by minute just to make it through. Have you prayed for someone today? This is one of the hardest things for me to do, but I do it scared.
When God prompts me to pray for someone, I have made myself a promise that I would do it. You see, there was a time that I would not pray for someone, and it made me feel so bad.
This holiday season is not all about giving “things.” I feel it is about giving your time, love and prayers. God put us here to love one another and to spread His word that none should perish.
I know life is busy, and when you work, you are even more busy. But you come in contact with a lot of people where you work. I guess what I am saying is, I am working on my people skills.
I can be very direct at times, but I never intend to hurt anyone’s feelings. I am a “get it done” kind of girl. If you ask me something, I am going to be direct and tell you the truth — or maybe just not say anything at all.
People either love me or don’t like me, and I am ok with that. We all have different personalities and don’t always jive with one another. I do know this. I am doing my best to love all and help in any way I can.
So do me this one favor, bless people during this holiday season, but don’t forget about them other times of the year. You never know what is going on in someone’s life. Pay it forward the other 11 months of the year.
Grew up with these. People turn their noses up until they taste them. A must-make recipe.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 (15oz) can pumpkin
2 eggs, beaten
1c oil
2 c sugar
4 c flour
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 (12 oz) bag chocolate chips
1c Walnuts (optional)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream together pumpkin, eggs, oil and sugar. Add all other ingredients, combine well. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto cookie sheet approximately two inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 mins.
Tina Specht is co-publisher of the Minden Press-Herald. She shares her thoughts and recipes each Thursday.