Good Works

I am amazed at all the good work that is going on in our world. When I go to the hospital to visit people, I hear about all the groups of people who are seeking to serve those in need. Some bring food and snacks for both the patient and the family - some come with helpful information including maps and brochures about hospital services - one man arrives with his table to give a free massage to family members and patients to help relieve some of the stress - volunteers provide a children's center to help the long hours and days at a hospital pass without added pain.
Food pantries serve those in need throughout the community, support groups help families dealing with Alzheimer's, Divorce Recovery, Grief Recovery and more. Volunteers tutor kids after school and help them get their homework done before supper time. The list goes on and on.

Doing good is good for you. I have neighbors who retired 20 years ago and they are going strong. They stay busy and engaged by serving others through their church and many community programs. Life has meaning when it is not just about me.

I love seeing people who are eager to do good. Some just love to complain about all the deadbeats and all the people that are lazy -- to hear them talk there is nothing good going on in this world. My life has always been enriched by the people who love to do good works. One man I know has been teaching children to love reading for 25 years - he is changing the world one child at a time. Who can place the value on the gift of teaching a child to love reading?

Serving others has its own reward. It's not about money or promotions or more power and that makes it like a breath of fresh air! The personal satisfaction your receive is like a energy sport drink after you exercise - it gives you a charge - only it lasts longer!

Go out and do good works - use your unique gifts - it is a practical way to express your love for others and for your Creator, who blessed you with the gifts you have to share!

This old line from scripture says it well:
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." (I Peter 4:10)

We are all just "grace givers" because we have been given grace in such abundance!

Just thinking, Steve