“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)
Hanna had three boys under the age of eight. She loved her sons but like many parents, she was frustrated with their constant grumbling and complaining. “I tried everything to get them to stop but nothing seemed to work.”
One fine morning she got an idea. Why not turn being kind into a game? “My boys love video games and I thought if I can turn around being kind to each other into a fun game format, I might be able to get through.”
With a vague plan in mind to create a game, Hanna checked out some websites and social media for more ideas. She found plenty of ideas that she could add to the kindness bingo sheets she was creating. Some of the ideas she used included:
• Do a chore for my brother/sister
• Draw or color a picture for someone
• Play with someone new at school
• Share a toy with my brother/sister
• Give a nice compliment to someone
• Hug a family member
• Help my brother/sister with their homework
“I suggest to my kids to do four acts of kindness every day so they can claim bingo,” says Hanna, “It is not perfect, but the boys are becoming more thoughtful and aware of how their actions affect other people.” In fact, they are enjoying it too.
You don’t have to be a child to play this kindness game. You can do it yourself by regularly looking for opportunities to show kindness toward others.
Prayer:
Dear God, Thank you for your kindness and love towards me. Help me to be an example of kindness in my own home and those I come across during the day. I want to encourage and support my loved ones and the people around me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.