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May 12, 2009
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=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================
Little Acts of Love, by Marsha Jordan
As I loaded dishes into the dishwasher, I sang along with the radio. My
grandson looked up from the picture he was coloring and said, "Grandma,
there's one thing about you that I don't like." Anticipating what he
was going to say, I asked, "What? That I sing all the time?" "No," he
answered, "It's not how much you sing, it's how BAD you sing."
Once again, I was reminded that God did not bless me with a good
singing voice.
I used to wish that I were a wonderful singer, so I could entertain
thousands of adoring fans packed into crowded stadiums. In reality, my
singing can't even please one six year old.
I also used to wish I were a great orator. I've always envied people
who could speak eloquently. I have trouble completing a sentence that
can be understood by a preschooler.
I may not possess the talents I would have preferred to be born with,
but I still have the ability to change the world ... and so do you!
Changing the world doesn't require wealth, talent, or a huge investment
of time. Right now, you (yes, you), with your current limitations and
abilities, have tremendous power to impact others.
Don't believe me? Have you ever had a day in which everything you
touched went wrong? When you were at the end of your rope, did someone
speak a kind word or help you out? Do you remember how it warmed your
heart and perked up your spirit? Small, loving acts make a profound
difference. Everyone longs to feel noticed and appreciated. That's why
it means so much when someone surprises us with a simple act of caring.
It assures us that we matter.
"I'm just one person. I can't make a difference."
Discouraged people are everywhere. They need you. Don't overlook
opportunities to make a difference in someone's life. A smile, a note,
or a phone call won't take much effort, but they can make someone's
day. Not only will your kindness be appreciated by the recipient and
rewarded by God, but it will enrich your own life, too.
Many folks say, "I'm just one person. I can't make a difference." If
you've ever been on the receiving end of a hug just when it's needed,
you know one person's concern is powerful. Do you compare your
contribution to a tiny drop of water in the huge ocean? Mother
Theresa's view was that the ocean would be less without that one drop.
There could be no mountains, if not for the tiny grains of sand from
which the mountains are made. Little things pack a big punch.
Encouragement takes only a moment to give but it delivers an important
message of love and concern to the recipient, and it could last a
lifetime. Your empathy and time can lessen someone's load and make
their life journey easier.
We may not speak like Billy Graham or sing like Frank Sinatra, but we
each have our own unique talents that God wants us to use. Have you
considered that you may be exactly what someone is praying for?
Open your heart. Show you care. Share a little love.
This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these
things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to
devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent
and profitable for everyone (Titus 3:8 TNIV).
---------
(c) 2009 Marsha Jordan <hugsandhope@gmail.com>
RELATED LINKS:
* The Unmentioned Essentials
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200903/20090309_essentials.html
* What Do You Do?
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200712/20071203_whatdoyoudo.html
* Prayer and Good Deeds
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/praying_paul/pwp.pl?221
* Hugs and Hopes
http://www.hugsandhope.org
This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200905/20090512_littleacts.html
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
TWO HEARTS PRAYING AS ONE, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
"Praying together may be the single most important spiritual discipline
you and your spouse will ever share," say the Raineys--it reduces
conflicts and safeguards marriages from divorce.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?258
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