It’s Monday and today is all about practical generosity; the kind that gets things done – no fuss. It’s about seeing a need and working out how to provide a practical solution. It might need good planning and forethought, or it could just be a spur-of-the-moment thing.
Today’s Challenge:
Be opportunistic: Eyes peeled today – where could you help out instead of walking by? Whether you’re helping a stranger to carry a suitcase, assisting an elderly person across a road, or giving someone a free lift somewhere – the key is practical, physical acts of kindness.
Got an hour: Got a bit more time to get stuck in? Brilliant! Maybe your neighbor hasn’t been able to give much attention to their garden lately, or your family member could do with their car being washed. Whatever this looks like to you, make sure you make the most of jumping right in.
Seize the day: Identify an issue in your community: it might be that homelessness, drug addiction or unemployment is a particular problem where you live. Or you might just know quite a few people who’d benefit from a new youth group or book club. Get a group of people together and start something practical to make a difference where you are.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43: 19
I read how back in the 19th century when Western Europe was sending out missionaries all over the world, there were great crowds of young men hearing the call of God and gathering at Manchester Central Hall. Despite being told that the average life expectancy of a missionary was just 16 weeks, they pressed up to the altar, a hoard of lads with tear-stained faces willing to give their lives to mission.
A lot has changed since then and that may seem behind us. But God’s still not done. Isaiah writes about this in chapter 43, where he turns our attention to the way that God creates ‘a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland’. God invites us to join in with him.
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