The Do-Good Box

As another month goes by with the world still dealing with the pandemic, I’m pretty sure you are absolutely over it. I know I am. It’s been a rough time. Perhaps you know or are related to people who have contracted COVID-19. Sometimes people recover well; other times they don’t. There is a lot of sadness to process during these times—for grown-ups and kids alike.

You may still be worshipping at home and haven’t been to church in a long time. School certainly doesn’t look the same, and if you just couldn’t stand it before, now you probably wish you were there again. Going shopping, going to public recreation places, even going to the library, aren’t things we get to do anymore.

When things are not going well and the temptation to be sad is very strong, one of the best things you can do to feel better is to do something good for someone else. “But we are in a pandemic, and I can’t go out!” you say. I know. But here’s a way to be a blessing in an unexpected—and safe—fashion.

Be sure to involve your parents or guardians in every part of this activity.

Here’s what you’ll need:

■ a small container with a lid

■ several pieces of colored paper

■ a marker or pen

■ scissors

What to do:

■ Cut your pieces of colored paper into strips about the length of your palm or hand.

■ On one side, write down a noncontact act of service. Some examples: Dropping off fruit on a neighbor’s porch. Cleaning the yard of someone on your street. Making a treat and going on a drive with a parent to drop it off for someone, etc. Think up as many as you can. And certainly, ask a grown-up for help.

■ Fold the strips of paper in half so the special task is not seen. Put all the strips into your container and seal.

■ You can decide how often you will use your “Do-Good Box.” Maybe every day, or every weekend, or every couple of days. It’s up to you.

■ When you are ready for your Do-Good task of the day, shake your box, open it up, and with your eyes closed, draw out one piece of the colored paper.

■ Now go do your Do-Good deed!

Don’t forget to wear your mask when out of the house, and wash your hands thoroughly (sing twice the entire ABC as you scrub, or just go take a shower) when you return.

Bible Treasure:

“Give, and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your bosom. For with the measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38