Reaching Out to Others
When our children were young and my husband was a pastor, we would often have various groups in our home through out the year. One of our favorites was the annual potluck with the "seniors" group from our church. They were called "The Live Wires" for good reason. They were a delightful group and we never knew what would happen. The ages ranged from 60 to 90+ years old. As we got to know them, we discovered that several of the women in the group had no relatives. They loved our children and were so appreciative of their attention.
At Christmas, we would bake cookies to take to each one. We got all dressed up, went to their homes and sang Christmas carols. After several years, a couple of the ladies ended up in nursing homes. We continued the tradition, taking cookies. They enjoyed sharing their goodies with the nurses and others who could eat sweets.
We always found many of the nursing home "guests" sitting in the hallway in wheel chairs. As we walked by some would reach out to touch our children. We learned that quite a few had no one to visit them so we would try to give a little attention to each.
Through the years, we have also looked for singles or couples who were alone for the holidays. We have included them in our family time when possible. Some have not shared our faith, but enjoyed being a part of our celebration and seeing our traditions. It was a pleasure for us.
We can also give to those who are struggling . We have left gifts on porches and had someone else deliver something annonomusly to a friend in need.
Even when we go through difficult times, there is always someone with a greater need. There is a sense of satisfaction in reaching out to others and it gives a sense of gratitude for what we have.
If you invest in others, it can put your circumstances in perspective. Just think, you can make the difference in someone else's life!
I have always felt that the Lord brings others into our lives for a reason. Our paths don't cross by accident. As you look around at those you know, consider what you can do to add value to their lives. The results will surprise you! Remember, God never made a nobody, and He didn't make us to be alone. It isn't always convenient or easy to reach out. Sometimes it costs us something in time or money. It will, however, be worth the effort. Who are you going to reach out to this holiday season?
At Christmas, we would bake cookies to take to each one. We got all dressed up, went to their homes and sang Christmas carols. After several years, a couple of the ladies ended up in nursing homes. We continued the tradition, taking cookies. They enjoyed sharing their goodies with the nurses and others who could eat sweets.
We always found many of the nursing home "guests" sitting in the hallway in wheel chairs. As we walked by some would reach out to touch our children. We learned that quite a few had no one to visit them so we would try to give a little attention to each.
Through the years, we have also looked for singles or couples who were alone for the holidays. We have included them in our family time when possible. Some have not shared our faith, but enjoyed being a part of our celebration and seeing our traditions. It was a pleasure for us.
We can also give to those who are struggling . We have left gifts on porches and had someone else deliver something annonomusly to a friend in need.
Even when we go through difficult times, there is always someone with a greater need. There is a sense of satisfaction in reaching out to others and it gives a sense of gratitude for what we have.
If you invest in others, it can put your circumstances in perspective. Just think, you can make the difference in someone else's life!
I have always felt that the Lord brings others into our lives for a reason. Our paths don't cross by accident. As you look around at those you know, consider what you can do to add value to their lives. The results will surprise you! Remember, God never made a nobody, and He didn't make us to be alone. It isn't always convenient or easy to reach out. Sometimes it costs us something in time or money. It will, however, be worth the effort. Who are you going to reach out to this holiday season?
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