Not-so-Random Acts of Kindness

Who have you served today? OK, maybe that is a bit unfair...how about in the past week? Hmmm...still can't think of anyone? Who have you served in the past month? Its kind of sad, isn't it? Sure, we might defend ourselves and claim that we help people everyday through our work, or we might talk about something we do for our kids like take them to soccer or make lunch for them. But that isn't what I'm talking about.

Let me ask you a question. Do you care about people? I'm not talking about caring in that you hope people are healthy and have their basic needs provided. I'm talking about really seeing them and noticing them and taking action when we are able to respond. In other words, do you really try to SEE and notice people, or is your life so busy and your selfishness so complete that all you give most people is a quick glance to make sure they are not a direct threat to you?

Read Matthew 9:35-38 and study it carefully. Do you ever try to see people as Jesus sees them? Try this sometime: Go to a mall or some other public gathering place and find a place to sit and watch people. As you do, look at their eyes and the way they walk. Pray that the Holy Spirit will open your eyes to see them, REALLY see them. You will be amazed at the insight the Spirit will give you when you are open to really seeing people.

The next step is much more difficult. Do something about what you see in people. At a restaurant, ask your server if they are doing OK and look them in the eye. Ask them if there is anything you can pray about for them. Take just a couple of minutes and let them see that you really do care. Try the same thing at the grocery store or the post office. Stop by your local police department or fire station and deliver a batch of fresh cookies and ask the people working there if there is anything you can pray about for them. You will be amazed at the response you get!

It is all well and good that you serve people at work and you take care of your family. But when was the last time you stepped outside of your small, self-centered world and REALLY noticed someone and responded by reaching out to them? You should give it a try. If you want to make a difference in this cold and cynical world, shine a little of your own light (that comes from Christ) on it. Don't let another week go by without noticing that there are helpless and harassed people all around you every day.