Goodbye 2010 and hello 2011

Christmas was great. I really had a fantastic time hanging out with my friends and family at home. It was a great time of refreshing.

I was reading a blog that I follow earlier this week and the writer talked about how anxious she was to return back to her home, after visiting with her family for Christmas. Anxious to the point of tears. Reading that saddened me. And I got to thinking about how blessed I am to have a home that I want to go home to. That I have parents who don't mind me crashing in the guest room for a weekend. Parents who have consistently sent food home with me whenever I leave their house.

I'm so thankful. I wish that everyone had the relationship that we have. But they don't. And that is one of the reasons why it's so important for us to show love to the people that we come in contact with. That woman you passed on the street? You have no idea what kind of baggage that she is carrying. And you have no idea what kind of difference a smile or a kind word can make in their life.

Consider making it a goal in 2011 to go out of your way to impact someone's day every day. Hold the door for someone, smile, offer a simple greeting, or offer someone a cookie (everyone loves cookies!!). It may require effort in the beginning to do it, but in no time, it will be routine and it will become a part of who you are.