Day Sixteen- Where You Live

Well, we have crossed over the halfway point- not only of the month, but of the YEAR!  Can you believe it?  I think the older you get, time seems to go by more quickly.  I guess that's why I'm more conscious of how I spend my time anymore.  Nothing is promised and I don't feel as young, that's for sure.
That's probably why the Kindness Challenge means more to me year after year.  How I leave my mark on this world has become a priority.  Will those I love, know how much they are loved?  Will it be enough to carry with them forever?  For those that I only have a season with, did I leave a happy memory?  And for those I only meet in an instance, will our interaction leave them smiling?
It's really not that hard to be kind to others.  Every day.  All the time.  Zero exceptions.  And, as I mentioned, it becomes more important as the days go by.  For me, being a Christian, it adds a bit more relevance as, when I do pass and make it to the pearly gates, how I long to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

We all "serve" in our own ways and have been called in a variety of options, but I do know that we are ALL required to love one another.  And kindness is a great way to show it. 

With this passing of half the month, it brings us to a new week.  This week is called Where You Live.  How can we show kindness in the place we call home.  Last week was the intimate settings of home.  Our family and friends, co-workers, close neighbors,etc.  This week we expand our reach just a bit.  To those that share our community, our schools, post office, grocery stores... 
I'd like to start off this week honoring our police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other "first responder" employees.

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Not a week goes by (when I'm living in a city environment) that I don't hear the sirens go off in the background.  These are reminders that there are those working at all hours, 24/7, protecting the space I'm in. I am grateful for that.
For those who have chosen a career to willingly put their safety on the line in service for others should never be taken for granted... but it is.  All too often. 
These people have families of their own but still feel called to a greater mission.  Their hours are long and hard and when those sirens go off, they have no idea what they could be facing.  

So today's challenge is to show them some extra love and kindness.  At the very least, thank them.  Maybe, if they aren't busy ( and are so inclined) you could offer a hug.  It may be the very thing they needed but didn't know to ask for it. 
Their shifts are sometimes long and they are away from their families.   Why not take them a snack basket to the station. (It doesn't have to be homemade cookies or muffins, although I doubt they'd be upset with that... but just grab a few things they can snack on while they wait for the next emergency.)
You and the family could send them a home-made card to say "thanks".  
You could write a simple social media post thanking them for their service.
Kindness doesn't have to cost billions.  There's something we can all do today. 
God bless our police officers, detectives and on up the line.
God bless our firefighters, EMTs and volunteers that. spring to action when they are called upon. 
Thank you, for your unwavering protection.