Do a Grouch a Favor Day a Call to Show Love
Today is national Do a Grouch a Favor Day, so keep your eyes out for any grouches you can help.
Do a Grouch a Favor Day is a day dedicated to doing good for those who may be down on their luck, impatient, or just downright grouchy. People across the nation are encouraged to do a good deed for someone who may not expect, or appreciate, the kindness.
One report noted the timing of Favor Day with Valentine's Day and pondered if it was pure coincidence or maybe just an extension of the love and sentiment of Valentine's Day. After all, it's easy to love those who love you. But what about those who may annoy, upset or irritate you? Shouldn't they be shown love too?
Children learn about grouchiness from a very young age and adore Sesame Street's favorite grouch, Oscar. With a national icon who tells them what's wrong with the world and how to complain, rather loudly, is it any wonder that so many people are unhappy or angry at the world?
The British even celebrates or address the issue of anger with National Anger Awareness Week in December. According to the British Association of Anger Management, this week "is all about learning to take control of your behavior. Everyone feels angry at some time; what matters is how you express that anger."
"The reasons for the National Anger Awareness Week is to increase understanding of the underlying causes of anger and equip people to reduce their own, and other's, anger in an effective way," the site adds.
We here in America have plenty of anger and grouchiness. But what if we were to taper that rage and turn it into kindness? What if we celebrated Do a Grouch a Favor Day every day, in the manner that Jesus taught? As Matthew notes, "Do not resist an evil person, but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also" (5:39).
Happy Do a Grouch a Favor Day!
