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An "Exercise" in Humility and Gratitude

Heather said: "Thanks for that reminder. I've always wondered how people got involved with bell ringing - I always donate when I have a bit of extra cash. Perhaps there are some free times still available.. I'll have to check it out! This past weekend would have been torture for bell ringers around here."

spectrachic311 said: "Great idea, Shorti! I rang the bell for the Salvation Army a couple different times and I will definitely say that I was VERY thankful for a nice cup of hot coffee and a warm house to go home to afterwards. Another thing I like to do around Christmastime is to bake cookies and goodies for my neighbor who doesn't get out much. She appreciates it so much and since I love to bake, we both get a good warm fuzzy feeling from it! Does anyone else do a lot of volunteering around the holidays? I try to do something every year...helping out at my aunt's non-profit group's Holiday party for kids that don't have a lot at Christmas, volunteering at the Humane Society, going to visit the Retirement Center and the nursing homes to sing carols, etc."

xlilphishx said: "I don't think you are preaching in any way shape or form. Well, you are just preaching how thankful you are and that is good- people need to be thankful. I work with people that are worth millions of dollars and I have to tell you- some of them are not thankful for all that they have and it sucks. But anyway, I think it is cool for you to take the time and ring the bell for Salvation Army. I always donate at least 5 or 10 bucks when I see them. Thanks for this post- it makes me happy to see people like yourself who are grateful for everything."

an8lemongirl said: "I make lap quilts for the elderly. and Adopt an oldster or two who get no company. My last friend is gone so it is time to go find another and make life a little nicer. A teeny gift, a card, a visit, a picnic is usually nice. We take all the kids and make a family project of it and try to include them in every thing. It makes waiting for God a little easier on the lonley."

**Shorti** said: "One of my favorite activites during the holiday season is to ring the bell for the Salvation Army at my local Walmart. Not only does it get me out of the house for a few hours (when otherwise I might be snacking and being a couch potato) but it reminds me how lucky I am. Standing outside in freezing temperatures for 2-3 hours really helps out in the humility department, if you know what I mean. I would really like to take the opportunity to volunteer at the local homeless shelter to pass out food on Christmas day, however with my Christmas schedule I cant seem to fit that in. So instead I ring the bell, and its one of the most rewarding activities I do all year. While ringing the bell and greeting shoppers, I am so thankful that I get to go home that night to a warm and comforting place. A place that will have food in the fridge and clothes in my closets. While my toes are turning to ice and my hand is cramping from all the ringing, I am thankful that I have toes that I am able bodied enough to be able to walk and exercise everyday. I am thankful that I get to meet and talk to so many nice people, who are willing to take a second to dig out that extra handful of change to throw into the kettle. (Actually, I have found out that the colder it is and the more it looks like I am suffering, the more $$ people give. I thinks its very sweet.) During this Christmas season, the media is constantly shouting out about the downturn in sales, the low numbers, the lack of consumer confidence, and the overall fear of recession and empty wallets ahead. Yet, outside my local walmart people are cheery and ready to fork over change and $1 bills to help those in serious need. It really shows hope and you discover a new kind of feeling for the holiday season, pure optimism. Many of you are reading this thinking "What a good little Christian girl." Well that is far from the truth. I actually dont believe in organized religion. I'm not much of a church go-er and I dont like being preached to. So please dont take this post as a preaching sesson to make you feel guilty. Think of it more as a chance to enlighten your spirits (whether Christian, buddist, or atheist), a chance to give back to your community, or just a chance to increase your good karma. Go to [url]www.SalvationArmy.com[/url] and punch in your local zip code. Call the local office and offer 1-2 hours of your time to stand outside and ring the bell. It's an awesome experience and you wont regret it. Thanks for reading, and have a Merry Christmas!"

RudyOrtiz67 said: "Very nice idea. Well done. :th_dblthumb2:"