The Bucket List

The Bucket List

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.

Zechariah 4:10

There is a group called the Bucket Brigade in our community that attempts to grant the final wishes of people with a terminal diagnosis. They get requests from individuals or family members and then pass these on to their community of supporters to see if anyone can help fulfill the dreams.

I found out about the organization several years ago and signed up to be on their e-mail list. Recently we got a message about a woman who had just a few months left to live and would really like to take a vacation with her family to the lake. The organization also requested gift cards to local grocery stores and pizza shops, and I thought this could be a perfect opportunity for my family to help. That night at dinner, I read the e-mail to my family, and together we talked about what we could do and what we’d like to donate, and then we prayed for the woman and her family. The next morning my kids made cards as I bought gift cards and wrote a check to help cover the cost of the woman’s final vacation with her family. We sent it all off with a prayer and a blessing for her later that day.

I’ve come to realize that I don’t have to take care of everyone or everything to make a difference. Deciding to help this woman didn’t mean I had to cover every bit of the cost, but I did recognize that what my family could do, pooled with what others would also give, could add up to a whole lot of good. We don’t have to be wealthy to be kind. The Bible tells us that we should not be discouraged by small beginnings and that God rejoices in just seeing us start. A kind word, a few dollars, and a simple prayer are often just what are needed in a particular situation. Don’t miss the small ways that God may be asking you to make a difference in the life of someone else today.

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Look for a simple way that you could show a stranger kindness, even if it’s just with a smile or an encouraging word.