I’m thankful I live in a small town.  Most of the people in a small town will never make the national news, but that doesn’t stop them from making a difference in the lives of the people around them.  By leading with their hearts, they change their corner of the world. Recently, there was a family who lost their home and possessions to a house fire.  The school district came together and donated appliances, furniture, household items, and bags and bags filled with clothes for all members of the family.  Another town put together a Thanksgiving food bank for those who couldn’t afford to make that dinner for their families.  Many churches are packing Christmas shoeboxes full of presents to be sent to needy children around the world.  High school students are collecting items for the Ronald McDonald House, and middle school  students are collecting canned goods for a local food bank.  The list of giving goes on and on.

Perhaps these small town hearts are following the perfect model: Jesus. He came from the small town of Nazareth and constantly gave of Himself to others. “Jesus went about doing good…” (Acts 10:29)  God has always had a heart for the less fortunate.  He said, “For there will never cease to be poor in the land.  Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.'”  (Deuteronomy  15:11)  Additionally, from Acts 20:35, “…remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than receive.'”  Watching the news can make you believe that the world is a selfish and hopeless place, but that’s a lie.  Kindness, generosity, and hope are all around you.   And that’s the truth from a small town girl with a big heart.