by Megan Rea
Every 4 years we’re gifted with an extra 24 hours. Which means the average person will get approximately 20 extra days in their lifetime. Extra. Days.
An extra 24 hours added to our year. What if you paused, just for a moment, and made this year Feb 29th, significant.
What if you allowed your inner 8-year-old to poke their head through, what would they want you to do within this extra 24 hour period? Ok, so SOME of our inner 8-year-olds would want to eat Easy Mac and spend the day beating Mario Cart, BUT in their heart of hearts, in that dreamer part of them, what would they tell you to do?
Would they want you to pick up that guitar you’re longing to learn how to play? Maybe they’d nudge you to make a phone call and finally schedule that lunch date with a friend? Maybe they would just say to you, “Hey adult self, you got really serious, please go watch Cat Video’s on Youtube pronto.” 8 year old you may also give you permission to play a little more, to take advantage of that foot of snow sitting on your front lawn and make a snowman because it’s good for your soul. SO, to throw your inner 8-year-old No Small Life a bone, I’ve come up with a few simple ways to help you make the most of Leap Year. I hope they help you pause and take full advantage of your one precious life.
1. Review your New Year’s goals. Give yourself grace and get back on the bandwagon, you’re still that person.
2. Show love to a stranger. We’re so focused on our own little worlds sometimes, what could you do today, that would bless someone you’ll only have a brief encounter with?
3. Plan to bring something in for your co-workers this week. Grab a fruit tray, bring everyone a pack of gum, send out a nice email telling everyone how much they rock. The sky’s the limit, just show them a little kindness, they deal with you on Mondays after all.
4. Start committing one scripture to memory. Write it out, type it out, screenshot it, post it on your bathroom mirror, whatever works for you-just keep it in front of you. If you begin quoting that over your day, your life your family, the impact will be far more lasting than just a single day.
5. Make a “just because” phone call to a family member or friend. Let them know you’re thinking of them.
6. Do something special for your immediate family. Tuck a note in a lunch box, make a special dinner, buy a new board game. One small gesture can speak volumes of love.
7. Bring your spouse a cup of coffee made just the way they like it. Unsweetened almond milk, a little stevia and a dash of cinnamon? No? Just me? Moving on.
8. Play in the snow. Yes, it’s cold. Yes, it’s messy and yes, you are now the one who has to clean up all the slushiness that will inevitably be dragged into your house. BUT, when you were 8 you really didn’t care about those things, you just enjoyed it.
Snow was a blank canvas for your imagination. But if you’re SUPER opposed, here’s a fun idea: Go put a smiley face on someone’s car…just make sure they don’t have an alarm first. 😉
9. Try to list 29 things you’re thankful for. Once you get rolling it won’t take you that long. Here’s a printable to get you started
10. Give yourself 5 extra minutes with the Lord. Put on your favorite worship song, praise Him for gifting you this day, and see if He has anything extra He’d like to add to your agenda.
There you have it friends, just a few simple ideas for you to Make the Most of Leap Day. I could go on and on but hopefully, this list will springboard your imagination. Don’t let this day be categorized alongside all the others. It’s a gift if you’ll view it as such.
I’d love to hear what, in your heart of hearts, you would do with an extra 24 hours…
Until next time,
Meg
