How many of you grew up eating donuts? Maybe it was a mom-and-pop shop or even the classic and my personal favorite spot, Krispy Kreme! You go inside and see the case of assorted donut options, from classic glaze to filled with something like jelly or Boston cream. When I was younger, I always picked what my eyes saw right away: chocolate-covered glaze with sprinkles on top. Often, they were themed for the season, so pink and purple for Easter or yellow and orange for fall! I don’t care how old you get. Sprinkles can make anyone smile because they are like a confetti gun that pops out onto your donut but are edible!
This memory will always stay with me because that little visual springs back childhood memories of family. God gives us sprinkles of gold memories and stories to cherish and share with others to build relationships and to connect in not only deep and personal ways but also to connect our likes, dislikes, hobbies, and things that only through memories can we connect to others. Opening my blog this way made you think about a specific place or time when you had a donut. If we were getting coffee together and I mentioned how much I like donuts, your response would reflect why or why not you agree or disagree with my statement, which would lead to more conversation that doesn’t have to have a deeper meaning, but it connects us simply with a thought said out loud.
A sprinkle of interest can lead to a richer taste for more. Whether making small talk with someone you know or getting to know new friends, it is essential to keep things simple and light initially. When I get to know one of my new students or volunteers, I genuinely want to know their heart and life story. Still, before I go deeper into conversations like that, I start with simple but meaningful questions like, “What is your favorite this or that? When they open up to me, I can go from there and ask more questions that help us bond through the tiniest sprinkle of interest. These moments are gold to me because even if all I’ve learned about them is their favorite thing, I know I have a piece of who they are and how God created them.
I imagine all different personalities and interests are like the multicolored sprinkles on a donut—brightly colored and showing a tint of shimmer at times. Our lives have so many sparks of interest, things we love and hate, and they all start somewhere and can become beautiful ways to share who you are with others. Sprinkling your stories and your light can impact someone’s life. As you collect your sprinkles of gold, I encourage you to reflect on the simple moments. The stories you share don’t have to be big and extravagant. They can be as simple as a donut shop you remember as a child and how you loved the chocolate-covered donut with sprinkles.
How will you share your sprinkles of gold?
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