Issue #39
Serve! Spotlight
SE TIP OF THE MONTH
Ask Dr. Savant
Living In The Outflow
Billy Bob's Movie Reviews
Deep Thoughts
Looking Outward
Practical Insights
Servant Evangelism: Advice From a Pro
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| GEARING UP FOR THE HOLIDAY PUSH | |
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 Tis’ the season to start shopping... that means even when we are out doing a regular errand, we will most likely encounter specially designed impulse kiosks and end caps that have inexpensive holiday items on them. Rather than get annoyed at the commercialization, look at it as an opportunity to bring some kindness to your neighborhood. Buy one of those impulse items, not for yourself, but for that neighbor you don’t really know. Just knock on their door, tell them happy holiday’s, give them a gift and strike up a conversation. If you are musically talented, maybe you could even sing Christmas Carols in your neighborhood giving away goodies as you go. Holiday spice... uhhm that’s nice! Go to any Caribou or Starbucks and you will find new flavors for the holiday season. Heck, even Speedway Gas stations have a pretty good Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino out right now. Make it a point to get in front of someone at Starbucks or some other place and pay for their hot beverage. This a wonderful conversation starter that may give you the opportunity to tell your story when they ask you why you decided to buy them coffee or hot chocolate. Sweets for the sweet! Buy a soft drink, designer gum/mints, or a candy bar for the cashier checking you out. Nearly every checkout line in America has a rack of candy or a cooler of drinks easily at hand. People working cash registers around the Holidays are usually under a great deal of duress and could use a dose of holiday cheer. Remember, small things done with great love. . . .jpg) Give your server a break! Hopefully by now you are already tipping at least 30% and you have ventured out in the random tipping of people that don’t normally get tips. Here is a new one that is free. If you see a frazzled server rushing around, invite them to your table. Tell them to sit down and take a break. You can cover for them by pretending to ask a few questions about the menu or restaurant so that the manager doesn’t get annoyed. Explain that you noticed them and thought they could use a “deep breath” break. 90 seconds decompressing with you does wonders for folks overwhelmed at a dinner rush. You can have fun and even ask them, if they could ask Santa for anything this year what would it be. Explain that it is really a prayer request, and that you would love to pray for them—use the Sjogren microburst method—ten second prayers are some of the best and very few people that work in the service industry turn down prayer from people that genuinely notice them. Shovel your neighbor's walk... before you shovel your own! Let’s face it, it is a  dreadful chore. What better display of a servant’s heart is there than doing this for someone you don’t know very well—putting them before yourself. Do the same thing with clearing ice and snow from windshields in a parking lot. You will be amazed at the friendly relationships that will start over this simple act. If you live in a warm climate, you can do the same thing with sweeping a walkway or cleaning a windshield at the self-serve islands of a gas station. Give the gifts that keep giving! Take a poinsettia or a holiday goodie basket with you to a place you frequent like the doctor’s office, the post office, hair stylist, or auto garage. Most likely, these people already "know you," even if you have never spoken to them before. This is a great way to break the ice and start having an actual relationship with them - even if it is just a small one. Buy some extra batteries, scotch tape, and ribbons to give away serendipitously. As you are making your rounds try to notice your friends, family, and even strangers in need. If you have a few of these items handy, you can look for an open opportunity to bless them if they forgot these extra touches just before gift giving time. It is a great way to show those around you that you notice them and care. For more great outreach ideas make sure you check out Kindness Resources today!  Ken Glassmeyer is the Editor of Serve! Magazine. He has been doing SE outreach in the midwest for over twenty years. He currently leads a "not-so-small" group bible study in his community. You can visit his website, SERVACITY.COM for more information on having him visit your church to speak or consult. He lives at the foot of Mt. Rumpke with his wife Cathy and Denali, the Border Collie. Ken just released a new and exciting PDF available at Kindness Resources entitled: "How To Throw A Block Party!" | |
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