Guest Post: Sheri Bertolini

Today we have a guest blogger, our first! Sheri Bertolini of My Intentional Life fame, has kindly agreed to post. Enjoy! .

I’m normally the assistant at work but that day I was in charge of the bookstore. I was spiffing up the displays when three women came in. I greeted them and realized immediately they were different. They were fun, happy, bubbly, and encouraging. We fell into easy conversation and before they left, we had exchanged stories, laughter, business cards, and hopes of seeing each other again.

I had no idea that we’d connect again, in ways I had not imagined.

What I knew of SPPRAK (Special People Performing Random Acts of Kindness) was very little, at first. I knew they were on a mission—to change the culture of their community through kindness. They were three women from Terre Haute, Indiana.

I was writing my first book. I had a vision for teaching women how to build a value-based culture in their homes, and then organize it accordingly. I was one woman living in Franklin, Tennessee.

A few tweets, lots of posts, and number of Facebook “likes” later...

My book was about to be published so I did some giveaways as part of my book launch countdown. Robin ended up winning one of my books.

And then I got the email: “Would you consider coming to Terre Haute to do a seminar about your book?” My first invitation! I was thrilled, and had no clue I was about to be “SPPRAKed.” Putting us all together in the same room for a day was like a hope makeover on steroids. I walked away as encouraged as the seminar attendees, because SPPRAK their poured into hearts into all of us.

Four women living in different states, hundreds of miles apart. All doing what we love, pursuing our visions for making a difference. After a few emails, texts, and one Skype conversation, our shared hearts of compassion created a bond that doesn’t require living in the same city. The passion of our joint dream -- to help others -- multiplied instead of doubling.

One plus three doesn’t equal four. Not in God’s kingdom, anyway.

One plus three equals endless opportunity.

Pay attention to chance meetings. Listen to the nudges you find in new connections and friendships. You never know how God may weave hearts and opportunities together that will make a difference for many.

And you.