I’ve had people do things over the years “just because” that have so encouraged me and touched my heart. Today I’d encourage you to pray and ask God to give you a name to receive a “just because”. Here are some simple ideas to get you started:
1. Write a note of encouragement—Handwritten, snail-mail notes still speak of care and thoughtfulness. They’re also easy to stick in a safe place to re-read when discouragement hits.
2. Open your home—Recently a friend invited me into her home for a very simple sandwich lunch. Even though it wasn’t fancy food, there was something so special about being in her home. Hot tea and store-bought cookies work too! It’s the time that counts.
3. Perform an act of service—Offer a few hours of free babysitting for a tired friend. Volunteer to rake your elderly neighbor’s yard. Serve dinner at a homeless shelter and then sit with some residents to listen and interact. Intentionally look for a need and meet it.
4. Notice someone—Think about people that we can tend to treat as invisible—service workers like wait staff, cashiers, custodians or the homeless or the elderly) Take the time to smile and give a kind word of encouragement. Depending on the setting, maybe you could sit and talk for a while.
5. Become a mentor—There are so many people around you that need to know what you’ve learned on the path you’re traveling. Take time to share. This can be as involved as joining a community mentoring program or as simple as taking your granddaughter to a special lunch.
6. Share your resources—In this time of a struggling economy, the financial needs are great. Even if you don’t have disposable income yourself, watch for ways to share what you have and may not need—clothing, food from a garden, gently worn furniture or household goods, skills like car repair….
This website has over 200 ideas for acts of kindness if you don’t find any that appeal to you here! I’d also love to hear your ideas and “just because” acts that have been done for you. (Or those inspired by today's devotion!)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Random Acts "Just Because"
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17 comments:
I loved your P31 devotion this morning. It is a great reminder that people ARE more important than tasks! Thanks for challenging me to rearrange my "to do" list.
I have come home to a freshly mowed lawn. Being a single mom who is taking care of my kids, working and going to school, that was a wonderful suprise!
Amy, Your devotion and blog hit a spot in my spirit that needed to be hit! I am a real people person, but also task oriented, and a master list maker! I do spend lots of time with people, but have a widow neighbor whose name keeps popping into my heart and head, and I have yet to call her - before my head hits the pillow tonight I will call - God will have to add hours to this day because it is already full to overflowing and I'm not even out of my p.j.'s yet. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the reminder that not only do we need people, but people need us!
Thank you for reminding me that people was Christ's goal not agenda. Sometimes I get caught up in the agenda justifying it as being the hands and feet of Christ. There are times I should sit still and be the ears for another person. Thank you for the reminder
Time/presence really is a wonderful gift.
The title of your devotion hit me as funny today. A few years back, I used this to title some random acts. I printed it on envelopes in place of my return address and sent notes to as many teachers as I could at my daughters school throughout the year. Some of them I knew while others I did not, or maybe only in passing, but I tried to mention something encouraging or thanked them for being friendly or upbeat. I also included a $5 Starbuck card or one for a local ice cream shop. No one ever knew it was me, and it was always signed "Just Because"! Maybe I need to revisit that idea. ; )
Amy thanks for the reminder we are to be the hands and feet of JESUS. Thank you for the reminder that people were JESUS agenda and that we are to do the same thing.Have a wonderful and blessed day to a wonderful person who blessed me. Amy you are truly a blessing!
A great reminder that people not my "stuff" are most important : )
Beautiful devotion, Amy. Loved it! Cheri
Wonderful! A good reminder today that I needed to read!
What a great devotion today Amy! I am so task-oriented this was a great reminder. I am going to pray about who I can do a "Just Because" for :)
About once a month, I pay for the person behind me in a drive thru line, anonymously. I let God to lead my heart, and then have fun thinking about their surprise! It makes MY day!
Thank you for the P31 devotion this morning! Jesus was definitely a "people person." He invested in people so He could show them His Dad. Your words were perfect. Thank you!
What a wonderful devotion. As God continues to work on my heart as a busy mom of young children, your devotion has certainly given me something to talk about... with Him! Thank you!
Thank you for this reminder, Amy. I have always been pretty good at keeping in touch with various girlfriends and doing what you've suggested, but I've fallen off the friendship wagon the last several months with a busy summer, etc. I forwarded your email with a note to several girlfriends, and sent a few other brief emails or Facebook posts too yesterday. I heard back (immediately) from at least four ladies who were gushing with thanks for thinking of them and that my note was exactly what they needed at that moment. I think I got just as much back if not more out of a simple gesture. Thank you again.
I love this Amy. A beautiful reminder of what, rather WHO, matters!
blessings,
pat
Amy, thank you for sharing. I am a stay at home Mom with two children in (public)middle school after seven years of homeschooling. I am trying to determine a 'new' calling in this season my life with so much time on my hands. Your blog entry has been rolling around in my heart and head and I am praying that I heard the Lord correctly as I believe He is gently telling me to invite some ladies over for coffee and coffee cake this week and perhaps each month. This is huge for someone who struggles with being introverted! God Bless...
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