It’s Thanksgiving time, and for our family one additional thought comes to mind other than turkey. ‘Black Friday!’ That’s right…we are some of those fanatical people that will do almost anything for a good deal. We are usually up and out the door between 3:30 and 4:30 a.m. standing in line with a couple hundred like-minded (crazy) souls. My wife and I, however, differ a bit in what we enjoy about this annual holiday scurry. She is all about strategically planning her ‘attack’ on the retail front, while I simply tag along enjoying observing society in full throttle. I know it sounds sick, and it probably is…but we really enjoy it!
This year we had an idea that would add a fun little twist to our adventure. If you have ever been out when the stores open on black Friday you know that emotions, time of day, desperation, and frustration can be a challenge for anyone. Back-pew Betsy easily transforms into fire-breathing Fran. This led us to think that there are probably endless opportunities to bless total strangers who are having a really bad day.
I’m sure you’ve heard of random acts of kindness? It’s when you simply do something nice, spontaneously meet a need, for a total stranger. Well, we decided as a family that this was going to be our objective on Black Friday this year while out finding our bargains. We are taking a portion of our Christmas funds and dividing it six ways, then keeping our eyes open for windows of opportunity to meet a need for someone this Christmas season.
Matthew 14:13-14 tells us of Christ’s character after receiving news that his cousin
This year we had an idea that would add a fun little twist to our adventure. If you have ever been out when the stores open on black Friday you know that emotions, time of day, desperation, and frustration can be a challenge for anyone. Back-pew Betsy easily transforms into fire-breathing Fran. This led us to think that there are probably endless opportunities to bless total strangers who are having a really bad day.
I’m sure you’ve heard of random acts of kindness? It’s when you simply do something nice, spontaneously meet a need, for a total stranger. Well, we decided as a family that this was going to be our objective on Black Friday this year while out finding our bargains. We are taking a portion of our Christmas funds and dividing it six ways, then keeping our eyes open for windows of opportunity to meet a need for someone this Christmas season.
Matthew 14:13-14 tells us of Christ’s character after receiving news that his cousin
had just been killed.
As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
In this account, Jesus not only takes note of a need but sets his own needs aside long enough to bless someone else. How could he do this after having just learned of John’s death? Because he was moved with compassion for others. Here’s my encouragement for you this week. May you strive to notice a need between now and Sunday, and then act on it. And may you be blessed from being a blessing to a neighbor in need.
As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
In this account, Jesus not only takes note of a need but sets his own needs aside long enough to bless someone else. How could he do this after having just learned of John’s death? Because he was moved with compassion for others. Here’s my encouragement for you this week. May you strive to notice a need between now and Sunday, and then act on it. And may you be blessed from being a blessing to a neighbor in need.
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