In the midst of this pandemic we are going through right now, we are also seeing great acts of giving, of serving. We hear or read of people who are going out of their way to serve. One of the men from the church found himself in the ER parking lot the other night because he was not allowed into the ER after his father suffered a stroke. There were some people (I’m guessing from a local Bloomington church) who were singing and praying in the parking lot for the workers in the ER. There are people who deliver meals and supplies to the house bound (for free). We have a local grocery store delivering groceries for free. We have local restaurants making food for pick up but also, in some cases, delivering food for free. There are those performing random acts of kindness. And many more.
What many people are experiencing, perhaps for the first time, is the joy of giving. There have been times when I have experienced a day of the blahs. I found one of the greatest ways of getting out of the doldrums is to give myself away-visit a nursing home, or a hospital, or a shut in. Visit a widow or widower who is lonely. Focus on someone other than myself. What I found is that it wasn’t the other person who was blessed, as much as it was me.
People got the wrong idea when they read “God loves a cheerful giver” and immediately think $$$$. But that’s where they are wrong! There is much more to giving than $$$$. Give your time. Give your talent. Do something for someone else and see the joy that comes back to you.
“Father, help me not to always be looking out for myself. Help me to give myself to others.”
Takes the focus off of my wants, my hurts, my desires… even if just for the time while I am engaged with giving of myself.
That is correct Ryan. Take the focus of ourselves.
Amen, Bill! I am so touched by the kindness so many people are showing to others at this time. Once we get through this, and we will with God’s help, I hope this country is more united than ever.
Blessings!
That is a wonderful thought Martha. I’m guessing without the politicians we just see that happen. 🙂 Oops did I say that?
Oh man, I am SO with you on this. I believe much of the depression that people suffer could be alleviated by taking action on behalf of others.
That’s how God wired us. And when we’re not doing it, we’re suffering and separated from His will. Not that’s depressing!
God is opening up the hearts and minds of people. This is another great awakening.
While I know some depression is due to make up, I also know much of it is due to self-absorption. May you and I learn to give ourselves away.