Recently I went through the drive through after work to buy an overpriced coffee. This is something I don't do everyday, but probably once a week or so. It's actually kind of ridiculous how much this cup of coffee can impact my mood for the better. But on this day as I paid I was overcome.
You see, on this particular day it was like 15 degrees out, perfect weather for a hot coffee, also perfect weather for being bundled up and dressed warmly. However, that morning I passed a kiddo at school who was wearing shorts and I asked him where his pants were. His response broke my heart, he said he didn't have any to wear. Just the week before he'd shared with me that he needed pants badly. I'd tried to get him connected with our counselor to get some clothes into his hands and had come up short. Now, here he was, 15 degrees out and wearing shorts.
His parents are great and hardworking, but money is obviously tight, now here I am drinking my $5 coffee. It's awful, right? Here's what Jesus has to say about this:
How can I sit by and do nothing when I'm in a situation where I can help? How can any of us? I feel like I take so much for granted: new living room furniture, new car this year, new...new...new. Yes, my husband and I work hard, but so do a lot of people. I can't justify that as an excuse. If I can help, I need to. So, I talked to the boy and went and bought the kid some pants. I'm not sharing this because I want accolades, I don't. I need to change my mindset to one that is focused on how I help those around me, instead of sitting here naively drinking my overpriced coffee in my new car.
I'm not sure what this will look like, but I need to be open to helping if I can. No excuses.
Thank you for the reminder Ginny. There is so much need in our community, and you're right that we've got to figure out what can do to help!
ReplyDeleteJust a little note to say that I really like the direction you're going in with your blog these days. I'm a fellow middle school teacher (librarian) with a six year-old son and a baby on the way -- and I've been using She Reads Truth as my devotional for a few years. We appear to be kindred spirits! I get so much from your posts and I'm glad you're still writing! Merry Christmas! (@dmtheta)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! Just followed you on Instagram :)
DeleteTotally agree with CMB - I'm loving your new direction with the blog - great job Momma!
DeleteThank you!
DeleteAgree and thanks so much for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteWe are called to be hands and feet of Jesus because they are hurting and we have the mandate to show world his love. He increase we decrease.
ReplyDeleteYes!
DeleteThanks for being a teacher who cares! I teared up thinking about that boy not having pants. We take so much for granted and forget that others have struggles we can't even imagine. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI think so often we think someone else will fix it, why not us?
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