To leave the life I have better than I found it.

As I turn 34 in a few short hours I have pondered on the thought of what the last year has brought to me. Last year on the eve of my 33rd birthday we were frantically packing a trailer with the last of our life. We left our old home in the darkness of night on the eve of my 33rd year, to hopefully find our rainbow after our storm. Not everything has been rosy, the rainbow is still not a constant in our lives, and sometimes I even doubt our choice.

Then there are those moments that I remember all the kind and wonderful people who have made my life better by just being my friend. Those that felt prompted to stop by, or send a note. Those that after we moved know when I need a call or text reminding me they are thinking about me.

So as last Sunday the Primary at my church sang Happy Birthday to me, my cute little class (I teach the 5/6 year olds) asked me what I wanted. I replied to each one of the 6 smiling faces looking at me, that I wanted them to be a little kinder, and little nicer and a little more like Jesus this week.

So this small suggestion by me has made me rethink what I really wanted for my birthday. A little more love, a little more peace, a little more kindness and more Christ like love in our world. As soon as I turn on my computer my heart breaks for the families that have lost loved ones on airplanes, or in war, or by deadly diseases. At every turn someone is hurting, their heart and souls are breaking. I am lucky, I have had my heart and soul crack, but never have I been in such despair.

Well what am I to do?

How can I help?

 I am only one weak person in a world full of troubled waters.

OR AM I?

Sunday night after a lot of thought I made the decision that before I turned 34, I would do 34 acts of kindness to brighten the world I live in.
Monday morning I started with a bang and I have been busy non stop ever sense.

Here is my list, I know silly, but I am a list maker~
1~Helped my mom in her class room
2~Wrote a thank you Note
3~sent a note to a friend
4~Sent get well card
5~made quilt for a new nephew
6~made quilt for my niece
7~sent a baby gift to a friend in AZ
8~made an apron for my little nephew
9~gave out a recipe for yummy beans
10~took a Diet Coke to Q's preschool teacher
11~washed and took back sleeping bag
12-17 Made cookies for the kids in my primary class
18~ sent nephew and niece who live in Las Vegas ice cream money
19~ Paid for the lunch of the car behind me
20~ Wrote a note to an Aunt I have been thinking about
21~ Helped kid at target find his mom
22~ bought the missionaries groceries
23~ made bread for a neighbor
24-29 took cupcakes to those who have made my day a little better and brighter over the last year
30~ helped a young lady with car troubles get her car started
31~ ironed all the clothes (this is a service for my future self)
32~ gave my very large dog a bath
33~made the ladies at ARUP roll on the floor with laughter
34~ gave blood for the first time ever!

I feel amazing. Nothing on the list was huge or took up too much of my day. I am not even sure if it effected anyone else, but I know it has effected me. I am more happy and full of life than I was a week ago, let alone a year ago.  Isn't it amazing how service can make us feel so AWESOME?!!

This is my goal.. for the 34 year old me...to leave this life I have been given better than I found it!