Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Offering simple acts of grace (Mark 9:41) in everyday activities.


SCRIPTURE: Mark 9:41 (TM)
Why, anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name is on our side. Count on it that God will notice.

STORY:
Mamie Adams always went to a branch post office in her town because the postal employees there were friendly. She went there to buy stamps just before Christmas one year and the lines were particularly long. Someone pointed out that there was no need to wait in line because there was a stamp machine in the lobby. "I know," said Mamie, 'but the machine won't ask me about my arthritis."

OBSERVATION:
They are simple things. Little acts of kindness. A kind word here. An unnoticed action there. Simple expressions of grace extended to others … like asking about a person’s arthritis.

In our denomination we have labeled them “Salty Service”. Doing for others what they might not be able to do for themselves … like offering a cool cup of water. Simple things. Acts of grace. Done it the name of God. Extensions of ourselves during the ebb and flow of life.

While shopping at a local store a granddaughter and grandmother notices an elderly person dropping an item onto the floor. The granddaughter picks it up and hands back to the lady. “Does that count as Salty Service?” she asks. Simple things. Everyday occurrences. Nothing out of the ordinary. Acts of kindness being extended to others.

Just a smile sometimes lifts a day. A hug doesn’t cost anything. Look around. Opportunities abound.

Life provides opportunities to show others that someone cares. Like asking about a person’s arthritis or picking up a package off the floor. A phone call. A letter written. A sympathy card sent. A birthday greeting shared. Allowing a car to pull out of a parking lot. Holding the elevator door open. Buying a cup of coffee for the person standing behind you at the 7-Eleven. Just simple acts. Acts of kindness. Acts of grace. Unexpected. Unheralded. Simple everyday kind of things. Thoughtfulness acts for others.

Add a little Saltiness to life today!

PRAYER:
Make us aware of others around us. Make us sensitive to others. Help us to extend ourselves. Lead in the paths of grace. 

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