I could easily tell you about 82 things I’ve done poorly as a mom this week. But that would just depress me. So instead I’ll tell you about one thing I recently did in obedience to God.
A couple of weeks ago the Lord challenged me to think of something other than myself, my kids, and my tan this summer. And by His grace I listened. (Though I really could use a tan.)
I contacted our church and asked if there was any community outreach that my kids and I could participate in this summer. And the pastor gave me two ideas.
So I decided that we would do both of them.
First, my kids and I will love on three ladies at a local nursing home. They are members of our church but aren’t able to get out. So my kids will draw them pictures. I will clean their eyeglasses. And we’ll pray for them. And I just know that they will bless us more than we will bless them.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
Second, we will help tend to a garden. But not just any garden. Our church planted this garden for refugee families. All the produce goes to families that have relocated to our city for various reasons — many with Muslim backgrounds. So we will put our hands in the dirt, believing God to bring a harvest. And in turn the love of Jesus will shine on people from miles away. Amazing.
(Oh and please pray that I don’t kill the garden.)
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
I’m convinced. Convicted. Determined. We will do more than just go to the pool during these hot summer days. Because life is short. And I want my kids to learn to give of themselves rather than just live for entertainment.
Here are a few other simple ideas to help us reach out this summer:
- Hand out water bottles at the park with a label on them that says, “Jesus quenches soul thirst.”
- Befriend an elderly person in your church and have tea parties together. Then pray for him or her as a family.
- Pick up sticks or other debris out of a neighbor’s yard.
We can shine His light in our dark world. Even if it does mean less time at the pool. Believe me. It’ll be worth it.
{Linking up with Michelle for a Thought-Provoking Thursday.}
Fill me, Lord…
What are some other things that we could do this summer to give back and shine Jesus in a dark world?
