It is in giving that we receive...

We did some singing yesterday afternoon for a former member who is now is hospice care. Our intention was to bless her, but of course it is in giving that we receive, so we left equally blessed to have been in her presence. There's something about hearing words of wisdom from one who lies on their death-bed that makes you listen and apply a little more carefully.

On Saturday we went to Stillwater for the basketball game and made a point to include lunch with Uncle Don. Saturday just happened to be 2 years to the day after Aunt Ada's funeral and 25 years to the day after my grandfather/Don's father's funeral. He had some neat stories to share about storm chasing and cars that we had never heard. We shared some good laughs and left blessed to have been there.

My sister cut her hair on Saturday and donated it to Locks of Love in honor of Ada.

Alice has been noticing the safety patrol officer at a school along the way to work. That's an awfully cold job a lot of mornings, isn't it? So, Alice bought her a gas station gift card so she can go across the street and get a warm drink when her work is done.

We've also noticed on our drives to the church building that our adopt-a-school partner listed their employee and teacher of the year on their marquee, so we decided to bless them with a gift card and let them know how much we appreciated their service to the children of our community. After all, Jesus was known as "Teacher" and also encouraged us to be servants...and these two are living that out. That's worthy of recognition.

Have you ever considered that last Saturday's holiday can sometimes come across as a slap in the face to those who don't have (or who have lost) a significant other? We decided this year to send Valentine boxes to a few of our single friends...some who have lost their spouse and others who have never had one.

I don't say any of this to brag or point out our good. In fact, please do not pat us on the back or leave comments about how nice it was that we did something.

Instead, respond by taking action to encourage those God has placed in your life. How can you creatively do that? Even if it's one you don't know by name, yet you see them regularly...you are in a position to make a difference and brighten their day. Often times it doesn't even take much effort, it simply takes awareness and willingness. And in that simple action, God will be praised and our hearts will be warmed.

And let us know what you've done...again, not to be praised, but to help others think creatively. Let's spur each other on to more and more love and good works!