By trying my best to take the "Christmas Is Not Your Birthday" Challenge, I rediscovered the true meaning of the holiday season. By taking small steps to offset my spending and greediness, I gave to those in need, helped others, and changed my small part of the world.

It started with a "Five Minutes of Caring” post about spare change. It made me think about my glass jar, with coins I had collected on my daily walks. This was money I thought I was saving for "something significant." Suddenly, the jar didn't represent savings, but selfishness and greed. So, I decided to go in search of the nearest red bucket with the accompanying bell-ringer.

That same day, I read in the newspaper that Starbucks was collecting coats. Having a daughter who had recently cleaned out her coat closet, I decided that perhaps I could care once again. So, first I stopped at Starbucks, parking in the lot and NOT going through the drive-through and deposited the coats. Then off I went on my search for the red bucket. After emptying my change in the bucket, I promptly stopped by the recycle area to deposit my glass jar.

In this season of giving, I gave a little, but I also realized what I received:

• A free peppermint mocha from Starbucks for giving coats.
  
• A less cluttered counter from disposing of a jar of change.
  
• A tidier closet from fewer coats.
  
• A cleaner environment from a little less carbon dioxide and trash.
  

But those pale in comparison to what I really received. Because I bothered to get off my butt and care, I hope I made somebody else's world a little better. I know I did my own.

But then I thought again. Is this really what I would want for my birthday? Somebody's left over coins and unwanted coats? Is this what I would give to those I love the most, stuff that I really didn't want anyhow? I decided to do what I would really do for my family.

I have five other family members that I give to each year. If I spent $100 on each, that would be $500 total for the year. This year, our family had decided to spend less, and each person was to spend a total of $125 by buying 5 gift cards to exchange with each other. I had already bought my gift cards. But I wanted to spend the $500 that I was originally planning on spending. I decided to spend that money on who I believe is the REAL birthday person. But how would I spend it? Then I found what I think is God’s wish list, and did my best to fill it:

For I was hungry, and you fed me:

• America's Second Harvest
• Meals On Wheels

I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink:

• Heifer Project International

I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home:

• Habitat for Humanity
• Safe Haven

I was naked, and you gave me clothing:

• Nashville Rescue Mission

I was sick, and you cared for me:

• CaringBridge
• Gilda's Club Nashville
• Nashville Cares

I was in prison, and you visited me:

• Prison Fellowship
• The Next Door

Because when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it for me!" - Matthew 25:35-40 (New Living Translation)

2 others have done this "5 minutes of caring" To date, you've cared for 0 minutes on CoolPeopleCare.org

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Ingredients:

• Willingness to give
• Generous ideas
• Spare change, old coats, or anything else someone needs

Caring Time:

• 45 minutes

Cost:

• Whatever you're willing to give

Results:

• Inspiration
• Free coffee
• Less clutter
• Healthier environment