Don’t Wait!

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow” –  when you now have it with you. Proverbs 3: 27 – 28

I have so many things on my mental list that I would like to do for others. I have good intentions! I always do, but then how many times, I let the opportunity pass, and I don’t follow through.

We have new neighbors and I keep thinking I will take them a meal or help out in some way. I have had a box of “Thinking of You” cards on our desk to send to several individuals for a week. I meant to go to the library to get my sister a couple of Francine Rivers’ books to read. A little lady at the Assisted Living Home I recently visited mentioned that she didn’t have a Bible, and I promised I would bring her one. I have a friend who is going through a really difficult time and I want to spend some time encouraging her and showing her how much I care. I have some things to donate to Goodwill and some items to take to the local food pantry.  And the list goes on and on . . . Yet, I keep procrastinating!

We all do it from time to time! We lead such busy lives that we think we can barely take care of our own. And often, we do nothing because we think we can’t really fix the situation – the need is just too great. Loving our neighbor as God commands is often ignored or put aside. Yet, this verse is a good reminder that we shouldn’t wait until tomorrow. We should refrain from putting off good deeds when the opportunity to do so is right before us. We shouldn’t deny the help or assistance that is needed, but we should lovingly act today.

There are so many needs around us – with our loved ones, neighbors, and all those we come into contact with. Whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual needs, we are called upon to make a difference – to show that we care and to offer assistance in whatever form we can. We can always help in small ways even if we can’t make a significant change. Sometimes others just need to know that we see and recognize their need and are there with love and prayers. May our hearts be open to the possibilities around us and may we always show kindness and compassion to others!

Prayer

Dear God, we live in a hurting world and we know there are so many needs around us. How often we think there is simply no way we can help or we think there may be a better time later. May we be better stewards of the love and blessings you have given us and share them with others.  Amen