Saturday, December 6, 2008

Choosing Joy...Primas...RAKs...PIFs...


So, I was at a scrapbooking retreat not too long ago and we had a gift exchange. We played the game where you choose a gift from the pile and then we unwrap it and if the next person likes the gift they can "steal" it or they can go to the pile for something different. Well, the game was long and fun, but at the end of it, I ended up with a gift that had a fall theme (my favorite) and one of the items in the bag was a large jar of orange primas (decorative paper flowers for crafts). They were really cute - I even took a picture of them and used them in the title for my Altered to Perfection blog.
Well, one of my new friends at the retreat had been eyeing those primas. She even had the gift at one point, but I am the one that ended up with it. HA! I let her have a few for a layout she was working on that night - my mother taught me to share, after all. =] A few weeks ago, I was at Michael's and I saw the orange primas. I had been on the look out for them. I bought them and promptly sent them off to her. I knew I wanted to do that for her the day we played the game.
Well, I guess that's called a RAK. Random Act of Kindness - pretty cool right? I love to RAK! LOL Well, then yesterday, I got something in the mail. I opened it up and it was a baggy full of primas (mini) in 4 different colors and a pack of Christmas Poinsetta primas! I was so excited! It had made my day. Theresa had included a note and I was grinning from ear to ear.
So, this is called a PIF - Pay It Forward...It's when someone RAKs you and you do something for someone else in return. Passing on the goodness. Great concept, right?
What RAKs could you do this week? Has someone recently RAK'd you? Maybe you need to PIF. Doesn't take much.
You've seen the commercials where someone does something nice for someone and then it sets off a domino effect...wouldn't that be great during this Christmas season? You could pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru window. Let someone go ahead of you in line at the bank or grocery store. Take something to a neighbor.
What could you do? Go ahead, I dare you. RAK someone this coming up week! Was someone especially kind to you? Go ahead, PIF. It's a great feeling for the giver and the recipient.
It'll create JOY!
Watch for a blog rak next week! ;]

4 comments:

SavedbyGrace said...

watching and waiting =]

Unknown said...

You probably don't remember me, but I'm Amanda (Murray) Vest. I was friends with Steve and Angie Hobbins. Anyway, I have enjoyed your blog. It's very inspiring.

Sara said...

I love to give RAK! Every year for the past 10 years I have secretley placed a wreath on my neighbors door. He is widowed and elderly and I knew I wanted to give him some Christmas cheer. He never lets us help him with anything as he's very independent so doing this every year has given me great joy!! I have no idea if he knows it's me or not but it doesn't matter either way.
Thanks for the great post!!

TrulyBlessed said...

those sound so fun... i am sure i got a PIF before and I know I give RAKs but I don't really think about it like. My DH is AMAZING at RAKs!!!! You of course are the queen of giving and caring for others... i love you!