Let Us Consider…
Recently, a dear friend told me a story about her young adult son.
A story that made my friend’s mama heart real proud.
Her telling not only impressed me, but it also inspired me to act.
The young man works in a California designer hotel. Business had been booming, resulting in quite a bit of overtime. Despite working in temperatures hovering over 100 degrees, the young man was happy for the extra income.
His mom asked if he had enjoyed playing more golf with the overtime earnings. She knows her son loves to golf! He said no and explained why.
A housekeeper working at the same hotel was homeless and sleeping in her car. Her son felt compassion for this woman. Instead of spending the extra income on himself, he rented a motel room for the housekeeper so she could rest in an air-conditioned room rather than spending another night sweltering in oppressive summertime heat.
The writer of Hebrews said, “…let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24 NIV)
Recently I heard this quote by Henry Nouwen. It seemed to connect to the Hebrews passage: “Spiritual maturity is not knowing what to do with your whole life,” Nouwen observed, “but just knowing what to do next.”
Sometimes, I confess, I get caught up in trying to do this journey of the soul in the correct way. I forget how significant it may be to simply say, “yes” to the prompting encouraging me to do a small act of goodness.
Acts of love and good deeds can even be contagious. Like the goodness of this young man. My soul was challenged by his story. His kindness reminded me to open caring eyes and exhibit generosity.
So many throughout our nation and the world are experiencing tremendous need right now. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and dismiss or diminish the enormous pain surrounding us.
My friend’s son’s example did exactly what the writer of Hebrews encouraged. It spurred me on to show love through a good deed.
I hope this little story spurs you to do the same.
