During Lent in certain Oshkosh faith communities, a key focus is “performing small acts with immense love.” While many of us may have grown up emphasizing “giving up” something for Lent, incorporating small acts of kindness into our daily routines as we prepare for Easter can be equally impactful.
Here are some unique suggestions that recently came across my desk on how to integrate small acts of love into each day, which you may not have considered significant before:
- Greet a stranger with a smile and a simple “Hello.”
- Visit an elderly or sick individual, or create a heartfelt card for them.
- Cover the bill for the person behind you in line at a drive-thru.
- Reach out to a relative or friend to stay connected and check on their well-being.
- Send a care package to a military personnel or someone in a healthcare facility.
- Volunteer your time at various organizations that are always in need of assistance.
- Take a break from technology—smartphones, computers, and social media—for a day. Utilize that time for prayer, spiritual reading, or aiding others.
- Introduce yourself to someone new at a worship service and lend them an ear.
- Leave a thoughtful note for someone special, expressing your appreciation for them.
- Cover the meal expenses for a stranger or acquaintance when dining out.
- Extend an invitation to accompany you to a movie, sports event, concert, or church service.
- Allow someone the opportunity to help you when needed.
In case you missed it last week, here are some upcoming church and religious events in the Oshkosh area:
- St. Jude Parish in Oshkosh will be discussing Arthur Blessit’s memoir, “The Cross,” starting on March 5. To register, reach out to Rob Saley at 920-235-7412 or email [email protected].
- Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Oshkosh is assembling baby care kits for Lutheran World Relief, aiming to create at least 50 bundles.
- Most Blessed Sacrament Parish in Oshkosh has a Little Lenten Tree display to encourage participation in works of mercy this Lent.
- The Oshkosh Chamber Singers are gearing up for their spring concerts, including a joint performance with two premier Wisconsin choirs on March 16.
- St. Raphael Parish in Oshkosh will have a quartet singing the national anthem at the Wisconsin Herd basketball game on March 16.
- The Oshkosh Area Women’s Association Inc. is hosting a Shamrock Dinner with Luck of the Irish Bingo on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, as a fundraiser.
Thought for the Day: Memories enrich our lives emotionally… To live fully, we must embrace the chance to truly understand others well enough to feel their absence.