The Happy Day Project 2012 Recap

What is the Happy Day Project? It's a fun little project created by blogger Jeannett at Life Rearranged. It's a week full of random acts of kindness intended to brighten someone's day. How cool is that?  

These tasks were not about instant gratification. Some were not easy to perform. But what is a little social discomfort endured for the greater good? It was a great teaching tool for my kids too.

Day 1: Send Handwritten Letters. Writing my husband was a given. Sending a birthday card not my norm.  I'm terrible at birthday wishes. I also sent an encouraging letter to a friend having a difficult time during her husband's deployment.  A few days later, I got an unexpected email sharing how needed my letter was. It had been another rough week for her. Why does it take a blog 'project' to remind me how important sharing love, empathy, and attention with others is? I irritate myself!

Day 2: Gift Card for the Homeless. I bought a McD's gift card. Enough to buy a meal. And I knew I would have the card gone by the time my errands were complete. Wrong! It took 6 days to find someone to give the card to. Monday I stopped for coffee and the kids were with me. We saw a man digging through the trash collecting recyclables. My daughter reminded me of the card in the glovebox and my heart started beating faster. I did not want to have this encounter. I wanted him to have the card. I just didn't want to give it to him. I walked over to him and held the card out. I said "Good morning. I have something for you. There should be enough to buy you breakfast." He was sincerely happy. It was a good feeling knowing he would have one meal that day.

Day 3: Treat Someone. I brought pizza to a pregnant friend who is having serious complications.  Her husband came home on emergency leave from Afghanistan to care for her. I think they needed to be treated.

Day 4: Operation Christmas Child. Our boxes were due on Sunday at church. This was just the encouragement I needed to make sure we filled the boxes. The boys were happy to have a project helping others. Dollar bin at the Target sure helped! The kids made it personal and donated their candy and stickers.

Day 5: Appreciate Those In Service. We bought a gift card for coffee and handed it to one of the gate guards. The weather had turned colder and a warm drink seemed like the perfect way to show our appreciation. Standing guard at the gates must be one of the most miserable jobs, especially in the rain and cold. I wouldn't feel nearly as safe in my home, if those guys weren't (literally) standing duty all night. So thankful!

I am so happy Jeanett has created and shared this project with all of us. I think of all the lives touched this week because of her willingness to share.