For the week of December 30th, our 8th grade boys’ basketball team was very busy with three games — Shelby East Middle School, Crosby Middle School and East Oldham Middle School. Although we didn’t have any wins this week, the boys played hard and had a lesson of compassion!

After the game with East Oldham Middle School on Thursday night, the Oldham team members gave each 8th grade CAL player an envelope with $100 in it and the following note:

It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
This cash is for you to share with anyone, an in any way, between now and Christmas Day. We hope you get caught up in the spirit of the season, which is giving with love.

Get creative and have fun with it. Give a large amount or several small amounts. Here are a few ideas: Make a care pack (toothbrush, toothpaste, snacks) find a homeless person to give it to – regardless of whether or not you think he “deserves” it. Everyone deserves to be loved. Leave an extra tip for your waitress. Buy flowers to give others. Buy a meal for someone. Make cookies for your local fire/police department, deliver them with love and gratitude.

Take advantage of the time you have to love others and be generous when you can. There is only one rule: you have to give it directly to the recipient. No middle men. No donations to a charitable organization. Merry Christmas to you.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 NIV

What an incredible message! How blessed we are!