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Handfuls of Purpose is our theme for this particular year of our It’s 4 uMom outreach.

This thought came from the book of Ruth 2:16. The reapers in the field were to leave handfuls of ears of corn, and sheaves in the corner of the fields for those who needed food. The reapers did it on purpose.

Looking up the meaning of “Handfuls” in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary it says: “As much or as many as the hand will grasp. A quality that fills the hand.”

Now the meaning of “Purpose” in the Vocabulary Dictionary is: “The reason for which something is done, or have as ones intention.” Or, when something is with purpose, you do with determination. When your activities have a purpose. You have an aim, function or use.”

So, when we say the word, “Mom” we think of handfuls. Moms have their hands full of various things or holding little people. She may have a diaper bag, some little stones, a dandelion, a peanut butter sandwich, pacifier, homework sheet, daughter’s make up bag, or a teen’s dirty basketball jersey.

Our dear moms have their hands full, with just about anything and everything imaginable.

What about the handfuls of purpose? Well, intentionally mom’s hands give out hugs, throws kisses, teaches character, loves, gives compliments, prays, drives the carpool, sighs with hands in air with sweet relief, when she receives hugs and kisses back, after a little one’s timeout is over, or when a teenager says, “Thanks for talking with me mom. Love you.”

Mom can be anywhere to share handfuls of kindness out to those who need a hand. Moms can scatter kind words to the overworked, quiet cashier who’s legs are hurting from standing for hours. Compliment an elderly lady on her dress color, as you hold the door open for her. Handfuls of purpose are: listen on purpose to the speaker who shares her story and you can on purpose, share your story. What about, hands carrying a casserole dish for a family at church or across the street. Handful of generosity when someone is spending the holidays alone. Invite them to join you and your family.

On Purpose: the holidays are a great time to surprise people on purpose. Some ideas:  I call it:”sweets down the streets”; giving out homemade goodies to the neighbors. Giving a dollar tip to the lady who cleans off the tables or sweeps the floor in the food court at the mall. Or, even the lady who cleans the public bathrooms. Fix a Thanksgiving plate for a public worker who is on duty at the police station, fire station, or the security man at the hospital.

On Purpose: your family can scatter kindness at the homeless shelter by volunteering time at some of the facilities. That is a good jester for adolescents and older teens. On purpose, families can give away clothing, and toys to less fortunate families or to Goodwill or Salvation Army. Be blessed by giving your children money to put in the red container that Santa may be holding as he jingles Christmas bells outside the department store.

On Purpose:  we can scatter handfuls of God’s love by sharing the Gospel story at Christmas time to whom ever walks in your way. God is love. God is everything. With all that is going on in our nation, may moms, dads, and  families, on purpose, share love, kindness and joy to others. It starts with the family.

On Purpose: listen, do, care, give, adopt, share, love, hold, cry, laugh, and embrace, all that God has blessed you with in being a mom. Share who you are on purpose.

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Ps. 118:24

Whatsoever thy hand finder to do, do it with thy might; … Ecclesiastes 9:10a

And Boaz said to the reapers in the field concerning Ruth:

And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them,.. Ruth 2:16

Moms, there are changing times in our world. We are going to have to do things on purpose; by the handfuls. Make a difference; starting with ourselves and our families.

Now, with your hands open, you go girl, on purpose.

(https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handful.           https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/purpose)