It's amazing. It's been a wintry weekend with rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow. Another round is due tomorrow evening. And...a little reminder here...our house heating system is dead...gone...not working...permanently retired. Of course, it decided to shut down last Friday just before bad weather arrived.
Yet...because of the kindness of Christian people who own the heating/air business, as well as my dear husband's wisdom, this has been a relatively warm weekend in our home. Running electric heaters loaned to us by the HVAC company...as well as the kerosene heater Tim bought just in time...we have remained warm. In fact, it has been months since I was able to walk around the house in shorts and a light top...but I did just that during the past couple days. Once again, I am reminded of God's faithfulness and provision.
I am also reminded of how God has worked through folks who offered their heaters, homes, consistent concern and continued prayers. At times like these, we truly discover the hearts of precious folks. Some of them have been friends for a long time. Others are folks we barely know. But they cared, not just in words, but in sincere actions. Their talk was matched by their walk.
I have been thinking. How many times do we say we care...and not follow through on helping someone in need? How many times do we say we will pray for someone...and forget to do so? How many times do we "wish people well" and yet keep a distance from them? How many times do we raise our hands to God in praise...but neglect reaching out to others in His name?
I am touched when I see the acts of many during this special season as they feed, clothe and assist others in need. Yet I can't help but wonder why we seem to limit ourselves to this during Thanksgiving or Christmas...when needs exist all year long.
Through the retirement of a twenty-one year old heat/air system, I am reminded of the importance of true kindness, concern and outreach. The old adage is true...actions speak louder than words...and I am so thankful for God...and the folks He shines through...who live it each day.♥~thl
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2: 14>17
No comments:
Post a Comment