RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS
Papa J. Ray that's his name, at least in the land of the net. Great name don't you think? Papa J. Ray, you know just by this man's name that he has to be big time friendly. Well, I have to tell you that this past week Papa lived up to his name. I've never met Papa J. Ray, but he's touched my life with the love of God!
Last week, I was looking at my guestbook as I periodically do, to see if there were any new entries so that I could email each one thanking them for visiting and for taking the time to sign the guestbook. Well Papa J. Ray not only signed my guestbook, he also responded to my thank you mail! A matter of three or so notes went back and forth then I got a note asking for my snail mail address. It seems that Papa J. and his wife have a music ministry and he felt led to send me a copy of his and his wife's music.
I have to say, that made my day! Why would anyone want to just give? More importantly why would anyone give to someone who is basically a total stranger? Here we have a rare occasion of receiving a gift with no strings attached, no limited time offers, no complimentary memberships or nominal shipping fees, no surveys to fill out or coupons to clip. When was the last time you were at the receiving end of a generous action like that? I imagine it's been awhile. It's a shame that more people, including myself weren't more like Papa J. Ray.
Jim Dewar a dear friend of mine caught on to this deal a while back and he called it "random acts of kindness" instead of "random acts of violence" that we hear about in the news so much. His favorite random act was "drive by coffee." In Canada, we love our coffee and in some cities there is almost one coffee shop per capita. Many of them have drive through service just like any fast food franchise and Jim frequent such establishments with great regularity. Often he would simply say to the server, "I'll pay for the people behind me as well." Invariably he would get the question, "Do you know who's behind you?" He would say "No, I just want to make their day." A buck or two to make someone's day. A couple of quarters to spread some smiles, sounds like good return on his investment doesn't it.
Points to Ponder
Jesus once told his disciples, "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward" (Mark 9:41) A cup of water is a pretty simple thing isn't it? But if you've been trudging through a desert or working in the hot sun, there's nothing more desirable, nothing more refreshing, nothing more appreciated.
Sometimes we feel like we really aren't all that gifted and we haven't much to give to the Body in the way of talents and service. Don't think that way! You may not be able to sing like Steve Green or Sandi Patty or teach or preach, or play an instrument, so what! You have a cup of water don't you? This week look around you and find someone who's spiritually, physically, or emotionally parched and give them a cup of water, and watch joy and gratitude fill their souls.
Ok so what's the cup of water you're able to give? Here's a few to think about:
- A phone call to a shut in.
- A hot meal to a overworked family.
- A trip with the elderly to the doctor, grocery store, or coffee shop for tea.
- An encouragement, thinking of you, appreciation for you hard work type card.
- An offer to babysit for a young couple who doesn't have the family to ask, or money to pay for a babysitter.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for being our example of giving. You have given us so many "random acts of kindness". You bless us in so many unexpected ways. Help us to be your messengers of joy by giving others a cup of water on behalf of our Lord. Help us to see those who are parched , those who are in need of a cup. Help us to see that you have gifted us in some way to truly minister to Your Body, and the world around me. In the name of the One who gave His life for ours, Amen
PS. Thank you Papa J. Ray, for your cup of water to me!
