iCare

'For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.' Galatians 5:13

Yesterday at church, we started a new series called 'iCare'. Challenging the church to go from the person who says, I ought to do something to I'm going to do something. It was a sermon that truly challenged me and made me want to go out and do something for someone in need. At the end of the service, there were baskets passed out to the congregation and they either had a $5, 10 or 20 dollar bill in them. This money had been set aside by the church for missions and they divided it up and handed it out to challenge us to go out and blitz our community with service and love.

I couldn't wait to get my envelope open, I kept saying that I hoped it would be a 20, so I could do more. I've decided to double it and add money of my own so I really can do something for someone.

Yesterday we went out to lunch after church as usual. At the end of our meal, our waitress put down our check and then walked over next to me and put another check down. I looked at it and it was for $17 I looked around to see who's ticket it was and finally discovered it was the couple's who were sitting behind me. I turned around and gave it to them and then stopped and thought, maybe I was supposed to pay for their lunch and told God I was sorry for missing the opportunity. Then as we were pulling out of the parking lot, there was a man with a sign that said 'Homeless, anything would help' So I told Tracy we couldn't just pass him up. We just heard a sermon about doing something when we see a person in need. We both grabbed our wallets and pulled out some money by the time we did so, he was so far gone and the light was green. Hopefully God saw our willingness.

Anyways...I have this $20 sitting on my desk in an envelope waiting to be used. The hardest part is deciding how to use it. I've been thinking of making a nice meal and taking it over to a local fire station. Or buying a family groceries who is in need. I just don't know but I can't wait. I suppose prayer and listening would be a good way to start.

I challenge you to show people around you that you care even if it's a note telling them that they are appreciated or buying your friend or coworker lunch.