I made a commitment to myself to write every week and I must admit, this week is tough. I struggle to find the words today with such heartache for my family and friends going through Really tough stuff.
I type a few words and hit backspace and then do it again. A text comes through from a friend with more sad news, I get on my knees and pray, I go to the fridge, I fight distraction because in times like this all I want to do is check out and escape, to walk away from my computer and do laundry or sleep or...anything but try and find clarity.
Yet, my thoughts keep going back to thankfulness. I fight to write this, because the last thing I want is to come across as a cliche in the midst of such difficult times for my family. But I just can't shake this heart of gratitude surrounding the pain.
What I am most grateful for is the lessons and opportunity this past week to love. The tangible ways to help someone or show love and support by action. While I think saying "I love you" is so important, it's also the actions that communicate more than what words can say at times.
As most of you know I really like the book "Love Does" by Bob Goff. If you haven't read the book yet, you are missing out! ;) What I appreciate about Bob is he doesn't seem to care what people think or over analyze if he should or shouldn't do something. I don't personally know him but I don't think you could do the crazy things he does if you were an over analyzer. I look at my own life and recognize that I would do so many more acts of love if I didn't get caught up in my head of over thinking or being selfish of my time.
My Aunt Susan was an example of that love with action. As we celebrated her life this week I heard many stories of how she lived that way consistently and how it impacted so many lives, mine included. I reflect on not only my Aunt's life but also the lives of those around me and how they have blessed my life by "doing".
May we never underestimate the impact we can make on someone's life when we act upon the nudge to:
These are just a few things I recently witnessed and experienced this past week. The opportunities are endless and unique to each individual since we live in a world where pain and disappointment surround us. I don't believe God wants us to be exhausted and depleted running around with no boundaries giving and doing out of obligation. But I do believe we all have experienced that little tug on our heart to show love at one time or another. And this week has been a reminder to me to never ignore it. Although, if we do ignore it, the great (grace) thing is, there will always be another opportunity to act on love.
What I am most grateful for is the lessons and opportunity this past week to love. The tangible ways to help someone or show love and support by action. While I think saying "I love you" is so important, it's also the actions that communicate more than what words can say at times.
My Aunt Susan was an example of that love with action. As we celebrated her life this week I heard many stories of how she lived that way consistently and how it impacted so many lives, mine included. I reflect on not only my Aunt's life but also the lives of those around me and how they have blessed my life by "doing".
May we never underestimate the impact we can make on someone's life when we act upon the nudge to:
- write a note of encouragement
- just show up with homemade chicken noodle soup and feed people
- buy someone a dozen roses, just because
- drop a card at a friends door
- sit and listen
- pick up the phone and call
- change a flat tire
- give a long hug with no words
These are just a few things I recently witnessed and experienced this past week. The opportunities are endless and unique to each individual since we live in a world where pain and disappointment surround us. I don't believe God wants us to be exhausted and depleted running around with no boundaries giving and doing out of obligation. But I do believe we all have experienced that little tug on our heart to show love at one time or another. And this week has been a reminder to me to never ignore it. Although, if we do ignore it, the great (grace) thing is, there will always be another opportunity to act on love.
How have you experienced Love in action lately. Please share, as I think it can encourage us to make a big impact in lives with what may seem like something insignificant.
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