Almost every one of us can think of a moment in our lives when we really needed help and the right person arrived at the right moment. Maybe that person was a teacher who took extra time for us when we struggled. Maybe it was someone at work who took the time to teach us a new skill or who gave us a break when we really needed it. Perhaps it was a compliment that gave us the self confidence to complete a task. It might have been something as simple as the complete stranger who gave us a smile in the middle of a bad day. Perhaps it wasn’t something done to us directly but a story that was shared with us that inspired us to do something for someone else.
We have many people to be grateful for for all that we have in Life. Think of where we would be without them.
There are many people out there right now who are in need of the same gifts that we have received. While we acknowledge this, we all struggle with the complexities of life, with so many things competing for our time, our talent and our treasure that perhaps prevent us from giving as much as we would like to others.
The truth is that, as in our own lives, oftentimes the most profound and impactful gifts we can give are the simplest and easiest to give. These are the gifts that show others that they are important, that they matter and that others care about them. Often this knowledge alone can have a profound impact on others, an impact that they in turn pass on to others. As it is written in 1 Peter 4:10 - "As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Bob Pierce defined the term "The Great Compassion" as meaning "Let my heart be broken by that which breaks the heart of God".
What things in the world do you believe break the heart of God? These are the areas where He calls you to help. It is not the size of the act that matters. What matters is whether you take action or leave it as an intention.
We all perform acts of stewardship every day. However, there is always room for more.
Where would you be if someone had chosen to be too busy rather than to help?
Someone is waiting for you. How would you like to help?
"Finally, all of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. " - 1 Peter 3:8
In service and servanthood.
Harry
My Musings-in-a-Minute entry for this blog entry is the same, but if you would like to see my Musings-in-a-Minute musings, please go here.
This is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteAs you know I have been seeking out my next opportunity and in doing so I have had to make the hard decisions in life. The ones that impact ourselves and others around us. I have helped many people over the years giving then encouragement and love, sharing stories of failure and success through being an educator. In simple terms "being real". I think there is no greater gift than giving the gift of self to others.
On the other side I have needed help. Strangely enough every time I do someone shows up and is there to help, encourage and Love.
When we open our eyes, hearts and souls to accept being here to help others and be helped we can really see our lives are designed for something great.
Thanks again Harry. Your timing is impeccable as I move forward in serving others through the gifts I have received.
Peter
Hi Peter,
ReplyDeleteThank you for such kind comments.
Your comment "When we open our eyes, hearts and souls to accept being here to help others and be helped we can really see our lives are designed for something great." is a perfect summation of stewardship and Life in general. I thank you so much for sharing it.
You are a gift to many, Peter and I am grateful for YOU!
Take care and create a great day.
Harry