Yesterday, I woke up to the thermometer reading negative 26 degrees. I haven't experienced those kinds of temperatures since I lived in Minnesota . I forgot that the cold can really sting. I forgot that the weather can change drastically in an instant. I forgot that you don't sit next to the door in restaurants.

I just forgot that Jack Frost is still a formidable enemy.

If there is one thing the cold reminds me of, it is the need to help others during this time. Whether it be donating blankets, or helping a needy family with heating costs, or simply checking in with elderly neighbors - - all are deeply needed.

When it comes to helping others during the winter, I take my cues from Rich Besel, a friend of mine who has been helping his neighbors for years. One of Rich's neighbors, a kind, elderly woman, well into her nineties, was still living on her country acreage and needed help with snow removal. Since they were in rural Southwestern Minnesota, there was plenty of snow that needed to be pushed. Rich and another neighbor John saw the need and would take turns taking clearing her driveway after a winter storm.

He never charged a dime and did it because it was the right thing to do. After Rich's neighbor passed away, he found another neighbor who needed help and is doing snow removal for her too. Once again, he's doing it because he wants to.

I've always been an admirer of Rich's service-to-others lifestyle and saw a few patterns I thought worth mentioning.

3 Observations for Rich-style serving during the winter:

Helping others survive should be a default setting for humans, but sometimes we take for granted that everyone has those essentials and forget that there are people in need. If we live with our eyes open, purposefully looking to meet others needs, all it takes in acting on what you see and know is right.

When the decision is made to act, do it with a joyful spirit. Don't do something grudgingly. Feeling guilty is not a good reason to get involved. If the act is something that needs to be done more than once, figure out a way to do the task on a regular schedule. Ask others to join in if the situation allows.

Not everything in life needs to be done for profit. If you can do something for free, do it. The celebration of the soul is what matters. One will quickly find out what kind of person they are when there is no monetary reward. Besides, the currency found in building strong relationships will go far beyond anything money can buy.