Give
Small acts of kindness add up in a big way.
Here’s a little math equation for you: What’s 270 x 2? If you answered 540, you’d be right. But if you answered 5,000 you’d be even more right—just maybe not on your next math test.
This rather incredible math refers to what happened after strangers around the globe decided to show a bit of kindness. Thanks to the Giving Machines in the Light the World campaign, 90 women from a small village received 270 baby chicks. In only 2 years (there’s that 270 x 2 math!) these women turned those chicks into 5,000 chickens—and counting. In fact, those same women are now supplying baby chicks through the same Giving Machine program.
That’s the thing about kindness. Often we have no idea how much good our simple actions can bring about. It’s sort of like tossing a pebble into a pond and then simply walking away, oblivious to the ripples that stretch out wider and wider over the water.
This holiday season, no matter how you show kindness to others, please know this: your efforts make a difference.
Probably a lot more than you think.
Here are only a few stories from around the world to help inspire you to spread a little kindness of your own this Christmas season.
New Talents, New Friends
By Ashton L., 17, State of Mexico, Mexico
After the Area Presidency asked our stake to do a service activity, I had the idea of going to a local hospital and donating handmade blankets and hats for mothers and their babies.
One sister taught me to make blankets, so I then taught others. Another sister in my ward learned to knit and then taught me and everyone else. We had an activity where the youth helped make the blankets and hats. Even the adults in our stake, men and women both, were excited to “Light the World” and help too.
In the end, our stake made 200 baby hats and 480 blankets! After we finished, a group from my ward went to donate the items to the mothers in the hospital.
They were so happy, and I think they felt the love of Christ.
I’ve thought about service and how it’s helped me as a disciple of Christ, and as a son of God. Something I’ve realized is that service helps me get closer to God, especially during hard times in my life. Service is the best way to get closer to God.
God has given us talents and gifts. If you want to learn something else to bless others, He will help you develop that skill. In order to become a blessing for other people, He needs us to be willing and ready. Even if you feel like you’re not special, or you don’t have anything to give to others, you do. You just need to turn to God and ask Him to open your eyes. He will help you see how you can truly be a blessing for others.
Giving Machines and Glad Tidings
Texas, USA
The Howard family shared the gift of music as they sang carols for people visiting the Giving Machines and people passing by. Seven of the nine Howard family siblings and their parents sang as their 19-year-old sister, Emily, an award-winning pianist, accompanied them.
“This was the best experience ever!” said Hannah, 17. “I loved cultivating a sweet peace around the Giving Machine and bringing joy to everyone who came! Even though the streets may have been busy, and the Christmas season brings lots of things to do, I loved sharing Christlike love for a short time. Seeing all the joy while serving brought peace and Christmas joy to my heart.”
Tennessee, USA
Sam S. and Sofi J., two high school students, created a new school club for the purpose of raising money for the Giving Machines. Their initial goal was to raise enough to do the “777 Challenge.” (When donors press 7 three times on the Giving Machines, they buy one of everything.) With the generous donations collected from students, Sam and Sofi were able to do the 777 Challenge twice.
Sofi said this experience taught her that there are many different ways to serve, and every small donation helps in some way.
“I did the fundraiser to extend the reach of the Giving Machines into my community and high school,” Sam said. “I also wanted to prove that teenagers can make a difference and light the world.”
Western Australia, Australia
One evening just before Christmas, James H. went to the Giving Machines with his family. He chose to donate a primary school pack because he wanted to help someone have the essential things they need for school. “I’m grateful for the blessing of gaining an education,” James said. “It’s something I wish every child in the world could receive, as it opens doors for opportunities to bless their lives and the lives of others.”
Quezon, Philippines
Princess Jewel V. and her sister Princess Jazmine Miraede N. V. had a “remarkable experience” at the Giving Machines in the Philippines.
“Walking through the Giving Machines together was a profound moment for both of us,” Princess Jewel said. “It was heartening to select gifts for those in need, from essentials to educational supplies and medical care. Sharing this experience with my sister strengthened our bond and taught us the power of compassion and generosity, even at our age. It was a meaningful reminder of the impact we can make by simply giving.”
Make Your Own Splash
As the prophet Alma taught his son Helaman, “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6).
So give of yourself, your time, talents, love, or service in one way or another this Christmas season. Here are a few ideas:
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Line up and push a button or two on a Giving Machine.
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Smile and say hi to someone who looks a bit lonely.
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Serve your friends, neighbors, or even strangers.
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Invite your friends and family to Christmas activities.
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Invite friends to worship with you on the Sunday before Christmas.
Remember that pond and ripples analogy from before? Go ahead and toss in a few pebbles.
The world will be glad you did.