February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day. What better opportunity is there for Christians to live out 1 Peter 4:10, “Each one should use whatever gifts he has received to serve others…?” Here are 10 random acts of kindness Christian creatives can do to make a difference.
1. Make and Takes
You’ve no doubt seen them around. Someone takes a rock and paints it, leaving it somewhere for someone else to find. It’s a little treasure to brighten someone’s day. I’ve also done it with hand-drawn cartoons on index cards and small paintings on 3” x 5” canvas panels. For extra added impact add a link to a web page to the back and add a message of support for the finder.
2. Make Art With a Kid
This evening, I am going to teach a den of Cub Scouts how to paint and pursue an art badge. I know that is going to be a lot of fun, but it doesn’t have to be a group activity. I also plan on doing an art activity with my grandson before he goes to the bus stop. I created a web page called the Animal Hero Generator. It has two spinners that randomly select an animal and an occupation. We spin both spinners and create a cartoon of an animal doing that occupation. Try it with a kid and you will brighten his or her day. You can see the web page here.
3. Make a Piece of Art in Public and Give It Away
Go to a public place like a park or a beach and do a little plein air painting or whatever kind of art you make. (Get permission if necessary.) Working in public usually draws at least a few spectators. When someone expresses interest in the piece, give it to them. Its a blessing they won’t soon forget.
4. Do a Design for Someone Who Needs One
Maybe it’s a struggling business in your area that you patronize or maybe it’s a local non-profit or a school or church, but there are a lot of people out there who need a little design work to be done, logo or ad design, press release, window art… Volunteer to do a small project for them and meet a need. Not a visual artist? What can you do to be a blessing to someone with what it is that you do.
5. Make a Useful Gift
Maybe you’re a knitter or someone who likes to crochet. Why not make scarves, mittens, etc. and donate it to someone in need? How about blankets or shawls for a nursing home? Generally find someone who needs what it is that you do. See that need and meet it.
6. Cards and Letters
Make a thoughtful handmade card and send it to someone who needs their day to be brightened.
7. Make a Donation
Donate some supplies to an arts organization or donate a piece of your work or a service you can provide to be auctioned for a charity/organization of your choice.
8. Volunteer
Spend the day researching organizations that could use what you do. Find one and sign up to be a volunteer.
9. Clean Up
Usually we creatives think about creating beautiful things as a way to beautify our communities, but there are other ways. Why not grab a garbage bag or two and clean up a nearby park or community resource? Of course, be sure to observe all safety considerations. This one is not necessarily artistic, but it is a great way to “brighten the corner where you are.”
10. Start Something
February 17, is just one day, but kindness is needed year-round. What if you make this day the day you seek the Lord and ask Him to show you how He wants you to use your gift? Maybe today is the day you start something. Your local church is likely looking for ways to reach out and bless your community. Why not use your “whatever gift” (remember 1 Peter 4:10) to serve others? Start an arts group or a class where you can help people with similar gifts in your community to gain skills and see greater possibilities for their gifts. The possibilities are endless.
It’s funny that our talents are called gifts. The thing about gifts is they are not really gifts until they are given. Think about the gift the Lord has given you. How blessed do you feel to be able to do what it is that you do? You get to do something you love and it brings others joy. That is a tremendous blessing and, as with all of God’s gifts, we are blessed to be a blessing. How can you use your whatever gifts” to serve others? Today is a great day to find out.
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