I think for most of us, it’s always easier to be on the giving side than the receiving side.  I’m reminded of this as I still recover from surgery and have to depend on my son and husband to lift anything more than 2 lbs. I’m independent, self-sufficient, and usually quite capable. But weakness teaches us things and I’m learning to let go of control in this season.

When He lived on this earth Jesus talked, touched, visited, helped, and even laughed with those He loved.  He responded in crisis (in His timing of course–if you know the story of Lazarus), he cried, and he gave love and grace.  We get the opportunity to follow in His footsteps when there are needs around us. 

Having been on the receiving end of the care of others, I have found is that the more specific the offer, the better it is for the receiver.  Do you know someone who is in crisis, lonely, grieving, recovering, or even just had a baby? Rather than just saying, “Let me know if you need anything.” try one of these offers:

  • I have next Thursday available, can I take your kids for a few hours?
  • I’d like to come clean your house for you, can I come do that on Tuesday?
  • I’d like to bring you dinner, will tomorrow night work?
  • I have two hours on Tuesday evening free. What needs to be done that is bugging you that I can do for you?
  • I’m headed to the store. Is there anything I can pick up for you?
  • I’m running some errands this afternoon. Can I drop by for a 30 minute visit?
  • Here’s a gift card and delivery menu–dinner’s on us tonight.

My friend Becky offered to come over and help me the day before my surgery. She said, “I’m here to help you get done whatever you really want to get done before you’re down for a while.”  She helped me do a little cooking, cleaning, and organizing. She also helped me get the guest room ready for my mom to arrive.  We laughed later that I was “surgery nesting” because I was a cleaning/reorganizing machine.

Two days after my surgery my friend Lisa asked me if she could come over and wrap my Christmas presents.  She and her teenage daughter came over and wrapped gifts while Mark was at work. What a gift that was for me and for Mark because the whole job would have fallen to him since I only had use of one arm!

Both of these friends and others like them have been Jesus with skin on! Their offers were specific and easier to say yes to than a generic offer. They blessed both me and my family.

What about you? Who could you be a blessing to today? 

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