James

I find it completely amazing how life is like a huge blanket. Each day comes with events and happenings that end up being another thread that is woven into the blanket that each of us is creating. I love when God opens my eyes up to an experience and shows me how it fits into the thing we are making together...

The topic of the last post has been on my mind a lot of late. What a great challenge -- to be a blessing to those around us. Sounds like it shouldn't be that hard, but is still pretty scary in that someone might ask us why we are doing what we are doing! That's the part where we get to tell them about the love and faith in our lives and how that is so great that we want to do good stuff for other people. Easy to do nice things, harder to explain why we are doing them!

James offers some thoughts on this topic -- we are supposed to do good things for those around us (be a blessing!) because of what we believe. They have to go together, and really, when we get the love of Jesus deep down in our souls, we can't NOT do good stuff for others. It becomes like a river of goodness that just pours out of us onto the unsuspecting folks we encounter...

So -- how do we do it? Here are my Monday suggestions on how to be a blessing to those around us...

Take time in the car to be thankful! Imagine praying and praising God while you drive -- it might make the navigation more peaceful, and if you are focusing on the Source of the good, you might not be as grumpy at the other folks on the road.

Smile. Again, sounds easy. But how often do we (read, I!) run in and run out of the store, avoiding eye contact and conversation because our 'time' is so important? My dad does this -- engages the check out people. It amazes me how a few kind words, a smile, a laugh, seems to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone! Remember, the occurances are woven into the fabric of who we are...and you never know what God might do with an open mind, a warm smile, and a few extra minutes in line...

Do something. James talks about not being hearers of the word, but being Doers as well. Act on what you believe...check out these options...

www.one.org
www.compassion.com
http://www.yss.ames.ia.us/ihyc/index.html -- Iowa Homeless Youth Services

Just 3 options...there are hundreds more! Look in the papers, etc -- they list all sorts of organizations locally and nationally that offer us the chance to put our faith into action.

Read: James 1:19-2:16