Each Monday on the Pure Purpose blog, I feature This Week’s 7, a simple list about an everyday topic, giving you ideas and encouragement. This week begins a series on service. Let’s start with ways to serve strangers.

1. Carry several restaurant gift cards in your car. When you see someone in need, share.
2. During each shopping trip, pick up duplicates of several nonperishable essentials you need. Deliver them to a local food pantry on your way home.
3. Write simple notes of encouragement and ask a local retirement home to place one on each person’s mealtime tray.
4. Choose one wing of a local hospital and offer to read to patients. Check with the nurses’ station first to determine the best rooms to visit.
5. Pick up a flower or other simple item at the store. After paying for it, give it to the cashier to thank her for her work.
6. Leave a 50% tip for your restaurant server.
7. Place quarters in washers and dryers at the local laundry facilities.

Any other ideas or experiences?

I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger. Job 29:16