Monday, November 11, 2013

A Simple Gesture :: Love in Action



It was a hot summer day just a few short months ago.  She had driven all the way across town with a hot meal for my family.  I hadn’t just had a baby and no one in my family was sick, but her thoughtful gesture of kindness and love stirred a part of me that I don’t think I’ll ever forget.  My husband had just lost his job, a dream job that he loved.  The wounds ran deep.  The realization that a friend knew we were hurting and brought us a meal?  That’s genuine love, friends.

I guess I mainly think of offering a meal when a baby is born or when someone has just been in the hospital. Those gestures of course speak volumes and are so very helpful.  But what about all the other times?  How about when someone you know loses a job or a friend is just weary from the long days of parenting?  What about that friend who is pregnant and throwing up all day?  (That was me.  Four times.)  There are so many other times when a thoughtful gesture of a meal, gift card, or flowers could mean so much.  

A few days ago as I was walking out of therapy I saw a tired mom hauling a massive electric wheelchair for her son out of the back of her pickup truck.  I could tell she had performed that job probably a hundred times.  I saw the tiredness in her eyes and when I started a conversation with her I heard the weariness in her voice.  Every day life is hard for her.  I wished right then and there I could give this stranger a hug or at least a gift card for coffee.  It was at that moment I realized I need to be looking outward.  I immediately remembered my friend from a few months ago who cared enough to offer her time and money to prepare a meal for us.

I’m on a mission, friends, and I hope I can inspire you to join me.  I’m on the lookout for opportunities to show a friend or stranger God’s love in action.  Are you up for the challenge?  It may be a meal.  It may be a $5 Starbucks card or paying for the person’s order behind you in the drive through line.  Maybe it will be a hand-written note in the mail.  People are hurting and it’s time to get my mind off myself and start looking outward.  To encourage.  To be there when people need us most – during the trials of the every day.  Let’s not put it off and wait till life gets easier, because it most likely won’t.  Show love today!

One of the first blogs I followed was Comfy in the Kitchen.  Janelle has a heart for meal ministry and shares great recipes that are easy to prepare and take to someone else.  Her poppyseed ham and cheese sliders are amazing. Give them a try, and make an extra pan to give away!


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2 comments:

  1. I don't know what to say Jess. You are such an inspiration! I know all too well how easy it is to get wrapped up in your own daily problems and forget that others are hurting too. I'm going to try to break this cycle I've been on! By the way, I LOVE those sandwiches! They are the best! I don't know why I haven't made them in so long.
    Hugs

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  2. I love meal ministry. I did have a snag once, years ago. A co-worker had skin cancer and so I brought a crock pot of food. His wife was Dutch- truly, not a citizen here- and she thought I had ulterior motives. Yikes!

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