“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can TRANSFORM THE WORLD.” ~ Howard Zinn
“You can make a sandwich – sit down, eat it, enjoy every bite – there is nothing wrong with that. But if you make a sandwich while volunteering at a soup kitchen the feeling will be entirely different. There are actions we do for ourselves, and actions we do for God. The actions we do for God are different. We can feel the presence of God in these actions. God breathes into us when we are doing his work. We feel different inside. Is this to say you shouldn’t make yourself a sandwich and enjoy it? Of course not. This is to say there’s a difference that can be felt. It’s a mistake to think a sandwich is just a sandwich – an action is just an action. One is a holy union with God.” ~ Steve Case
I had one of those “sandwich moments” today. It was a moment where I could have helped someone but instead I turned my head. I was in a hurry after work and came to a stoplight. There was a lady standing there holding a sign that read “Homeless. Need Help.” I didn’t have any money on me…I rarely carry cash. My change cup was empty. I looked away. I said a prayer for her. The light turned green and I drove away and instead of feeling the presence of God, I felt shame. I felt like a hypocrite. I do stop sometimes, when it is convenient.
I am not fully doing my part.
After I drove off I remembered I had a case of bottled water in the back of my car. I could’ve at least given her a drink. It was too late.
Being a servant of God doesn’t mean picking and choosing what surroundings we want to serve. It means serving where we are right now. I choose to write inspirational messages and post encouraging quotes on social media that can potentially be seen by people all around the world. I am doing okay on a global level but I am failing right where I am in the city where I live.
Imagine if we all helped out right where we are at this very moment. Imagine if every person in the world who is capable of helping another human being would stop what he or she are doing and help someone in need. Can you imagine how much of an impact this would have?
I have volunteered for the last 2 years on Thanksgiving morning delivering meals for the Salvation Army. I get to deliver a Thanksgiving feast to people who cannot drive and do not have family or friends to share a meal with on the holiday. I found great joy inside from doing this very small gesture.
I know people who do not think it is proper etiquette to let others know when you volunteer. They prefer to keep it quiet. “God sees what I am doing.” Well of course He does! But why not let others see too? Monkey see, monkey do, remember? People do what they see other people doing. It is human nature! And especially if they see that the act of kindness is bringing them joy too. I do not totally agree with the “keep it quiet” way of thinking, although we are not to boast for public admiration (see Matthew Chapter 6). Have you ever heard of the butterfly effect? The idea that small events can have large, widespread consequences? Let’s be butterflies. Shall we?
God calls us to dive in and do what we can where we are right now. A bottle of water was an afterthought for me…but it could have made a huge difference for the lady I saw today in need.
Imagine if we all did our part? Imagine if every single one of us had a “sandwich moment” every single day? Instead of constantly thinking of everything we need…let’s think about everything we can give.
James 4:8 “Come near to God and he will come near you. Wash your hands you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded.”
Blessings,
Stacey ~ iamalive