"Giving a birthday card, a meaningful book, a cup of coffee or a chocolate chip cookie at just the right time can be a wonderful pick-me-up and an expression of caring."  Cathy Newton, from her book Living in Full Swing

Sometimes we get caught up in thinking we have to do big stuff to make a difference.  In reality, it is often the small acts of kindness and care that have the most positive effect on those we meet in our day-to-day lives.  And those small things that Cathy Newton in her book calls "Bits and Pieces," can make a huge difference.  Almost any time I have followed my instinct to go just a step out of my way to encourage a stranger or a friend in some small personal way, it has brought not only encouragement to them, but a definite lift to me.  That truth that says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," is so true.  Lets all just try living in that "little gifts of kindness" mode today.  Peggy Noonan recently wrote a column in the Wall Street Journal about taking an extra minute or two to be aware of the struggles of others and to say some small word of cheer or do some small kindness on their behalf.  Actively look for ways to help.  Because of the divorce journey we have been on, we all know the importance of a cordial word or act of friendship. Let's be the ones to take the initiative today.   Our small effort can have a big impact ... on them and on us.

"Many of the rich were making large contributions.  One poor widow came up and put in two small coins --a measly two cents.  Jesus called his disciples over and said, 'The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together.  All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford--she gave her all."     Mark 12:41-44