The Simple Act of Caring

     It happens every year.  On our anniversary, we receive a sweet card from a lady who has been a friend and dear Christian sister.  She doesn't have to do it.  She is not a relative, but when I asked her why she sent us a card each year, she replied that anniversaries are special and need to be remembered. Often no one else ever remembers or wishes you a happy anniversary so she has made this her mission.
I cannot tell you how this has blessed us, and it is a simple thing.

Our Anniversary card

     When I hear people tell me that they are too old, too sick, too fearful, too young or too busy to minister to others, I think of this dear lady.  She is not young by any means, but she has found her calling of encouraging others with a card ministry.  Ecclesiastes 9:10 reads:  "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working, nor planning, nor knowledge, nor wisdom."  Solemn words indeed, but this verse tells us to deal with life as we find it.  Make the most of our opportunities on a daily basis because we will not always have the chance to minister.  Death is certain, but while we are here, no matter what our circumstances, we can find a way to bless others if we keep our ears and eyes open.
      One of my heroines has been Joni Erickson Tada.  I remember as a young Christian I read her story about the diving accident that left her paralyzed.  Yet, out of the ashes of this terrible disabling accident,  she has learned to draw the most beautiful pictures using her mouth to guide all the strokes.  I cannot even draw well using my hands!  What a talented beautiful soul!  Even more, she has developed a ministry to assist the disabled in obtaining wheel chairs, started camping experiences for children with disabilities and is a writer as well.

A gift from our grandson on my birthday...a simple gift
of love.

     Joni could have looked at the things she could not do and stopped living right there.  Instead, with God's grace and help, she found many things that she could do and ventured out to accomplish them for God's glory.  If she can do that, I think we can manage to make a phone call, send a card, pray for someone who has a need or even give someone a drink of water.  Galatians 6:9 reads:   "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
     If our lives are meant to glorify God, we need to make a conscious effort to seek His guidance in the use of our time, talents, and abilities.  Not all of us are called to the vocation of ministry, but we are all called to serve one another for Christ's sake.  Today, take an inventory of your life.  Are you being the friend that you would like others to be to you?  Do you take time to send a card or make a phone call?  It doesn't have to take all day to offer encouragement.  Simple things like remembering some one's birthday, anniversary or other special occasion means the world to an acquaintance or family member.
     Just as we have to schedule doctor's appointments and set aside time to go there, we also have to set aside a time to do good while we have the opportunity.  In fact, with our smart phones, we can send a text message, an email or even make a simple phone call to bless that person.  This isn't rocket science...it is the love of Christ reaching out to tell someone you care.
     There are many things that scream for our attention in life, but we do not have to be ruled by the tyranny of the urgent.  I promise that you will be blessed by doing something for someone each day.  It is life changing for both you and the person you touch.  I can vouch for that!  So go out and get busy today!  Call someone.  Invite someone to dinner that you haven't fellowshipped with for a long time.  Send a card of encouragement or make a phone call.  God wants to use you to bring glory to His name so you will receive a blessing in your heart!  Selah!

I personally want to thank Mrs. Berdene Johnson for never forgetting our wedding anniversary!  You bless us so much with that card each year!