It’s Not About Me: Pine Cove Acts of Kindness

In Matthew 25, Jesus spoke to His followers about looking out for the people around them, saying, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” For Pine Cove, this translates to being “others-focused.” In fact, we encourage our staff to remember: it’s not about me. To help you keep an “others-focused” mindset, here are a few ideas to encourage you to share some Pine Cove-inspired kindness in your neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and beyond!

Sit with someone new at lunch
Whether you eat lunch in the breakroom at the office or the cafeteria at school, keep an eye out for someone new that you could sit with! Making sure everyone is included is a habit that never gets old.

Listen to someone share their story or testimony
Everyone wants to feel seen and heard. Carve out some time to sit down and ask a friend or neighbor to tell you their story.

Bring coffee or a Sonic drink to a stay-at-home mom
Something as simple as a cherry limeade or a pumpkin cream cold brew can be a huge day brightener for a home-bound friend!

Volunteer as a family
Model Christian service for your children by taking them with you the next time you volunteer! Head to your local food bank or nursing home and seek out ways to be a blessing to your community.

Write someone a personalized CQ
Just like our counselors write out some of the characteristics they see in their campers, you too can shout out someone’s best qualities—whether that’s in a handwritten note or a post on social media!

Joke Wednesday
Take a family camp tradition into everyday life by sharing a silly joke with everyone from the grocery store cashier to your child’s teacher. Here’s one from a Chimney Point camper to get you started: What do you call a chicken staring at lettuce? Chicken sees a salad! 

Two words: dance party
Cheer someone up by throwing a spontaneous dance party. (And if that involves confetti, we’re all for it!) Pine Cove has some great playlists on Spotify to get you started!

Leave treats for your delivery person
Bless your local delivery person by sharing refreshments! They’re likely on the road all day, so a cold water or granola bar can help themselves feel really cared for.

Bake cookies for a friend or neighbor
Baked goods may be the oldest trick in the book, but it’s also the most DELICIOUS trick in the book! Here’s a recipe from Mama Mia that your friends and neighbors will love.

“Serious” Chocolate Cookies
Vicki “Mama Mia” George

2 pkgs. semi-sweet chocolate (16 squares)
¾ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
¼ cup butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coarsely chop 8 squares of the chocolate and set aside. Microwave remaining 8 squares on high for 1 to 2 minutes in a large microwave-safe bowl. Stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in next 4 ingredients until smooth. Stir in flour and baking powder. Stop and have a dance party. Finally, stir in remaining chocolate squares and nuts. Drop by heaping spoonfuls (around ¼ cup) onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes or until cookies are puffy and feel set to the touch. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes about 1 ½ dozen large cookies.