Recently, my girlfriend had the awesome opportunity to ‘clown around’ with Dr. Patch Adams in Guatemala.  Yes, it’s the same guy from the movie, Patch Adams, with Robin Williams…very cool!!!

Consequently, her adventure to another country and her absolute selflessness to help others has me questioning what I’m doing to help those in need in my own neighborhood, church, city, state, country and world.  Uh…not much.

The problem is that I tend to stay in my comfort zone doing the same mundane tasks each day of every week.  I rarely step out of my bubble to see who needs what and if I have anything to offer them.  Moreover, I get consumed by my own selfish needs, problems and concerns.

I am more likely to accept an invitation to catch a movie with the girls than I am to commit to an hour at a soup kitchen or volunteer to provide a needy family dinner.  How pathetic is that?!  Especially since it is very clear to me what God intends for me to do with my time (whether I think I have it or not).

• “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.”  Matthew 10:8
• ”And the crowds asked him, ‘What then shall we do?’ And he answered them, ‘Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.’” Luke 3:10-11
• “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  Philippians 2:4
• “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”  Hebrews 13:16
• “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”  James 2:14-17
• “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16

Frankly, I live a life filled with excuses, fear and selfishness.   Of course, I’m busy with children, family and housework, but God has called His followers to act differently than the rest of the world and to provide for those who are in need.

God has thankfully used my friend’s trip to tug at my heart and urge me to step up to the plate and actually swing the bat in this ballgame!!!

Furthermore, how can I sit back and do nothing when God does SO MUCH for me on a minute-by-minute basis?  He answers my prayers, watches my every step and forgives me even though I do not deserve it – and that was done in one millisecond.  Shouldn’t I accomplish something for Him?  The answer seems so obvious, yet so hard.

I’ll have to let you know what changes I make…and SOON!

What do you do for others in need?  I’d love to hear your suggestions!

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 19:17 – Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.