Being available...

I have always loved mission trips and have always had a heart for the nations, but I never felt called to international missions long term. (I'm sure my mom and grandmother breath a sigh or relief at that statement;).  My heart has always been here at home, well wherever home has been at different seasons of my life. I love to be a part of my community. Which is why I love my church home now because it is a huge part of their heart as well!

Friday morning I went for a run...now Friday morning is garbage pick up around these parts so my nice morning fresh air was not fresh for long! Whew you would think I would remember from week to week:/ Anyways I was thankful for a small glimpse at a servant's heart that morning as I watched an older man walk to his neighbors homes and bring the trash cans up from the end of the driveways. Such a simple gesture. But such a sweet display of how to think of others.

I have recently read a story about a lady whose family asked the garbage truck men what their favorite cold drink was. During the hot months, the family left a cooler out at the end of the drive for the men to enjoy a refreshing drink. I can only imagine what that simple gesture meant to them as they surely feel overlooked and under appreciated.

These two simple gestures just serve to remind me and challenge me to see that there are always opportunities to display love and care to those around us if only we will be available and intentional. I pray I will have eyes that see the opportunities in front of me, the discernment to hear the voice of the Lord calling me to action, and the boldness to act! It's too easy to get comfortable at home, to only do ministry when it is organized through the church, and to be a bit selfish with our time and energy. Lord may I not fall into these traps and miss out on the opportunity to serve those You have placed in my life.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:8-9 (emphasis my own)