just one simple act of love per day....

Ash Wednesday. The period of Lent is now here. Forty days of prayer, of fasting, of almsgiving, of "preparing the way for the Lord," as John the Baptist so eloquently put it.
So how do YOU prepare the way for the Lord? It isn't any harder than most folks think it is...then again, perspective plays a big role here.

When I watch any film depicting that last walk of Christ, I see various people both coming to his aid freely, wiping the blood off of his brow, offering comfort, and I also witness a man being commanded to help Jesus carry his cross, which he, Simon of Cyrene, does so obligingly.

The question is: which one are you?

Do you willingly and cheerfully offer help where it is needed...or is it grudgingly? If a food drive is slated for your community, do you give a cheap box of macaroni or enough food for a full course meal? If there is a coat drive, do you give some ratty old thing from the back of your closet, or do you give your most cherished team jacket?

It isn't WHAT you do, it's what is inside of your heart when you do it!

Jesus did NOT stipulate an amount when He told us to give, or tithe, as it is called, although ten percent of your earthly goods is the most known form of tithing. Rather, He said to give from your heart. “If you have two coats, give one away,” he said. “Do the same with your food.” Luke 3:11. So if you saw a beggar, would you think, "oh here, have my crust of bread, I hate the crust anyway!" or is it, "come on, let's get some food, it's your choice on the menu, anything you want!"

How about, "oh look, someone is cold and shivering. Sure wish I had something to give but I wouldn't part with THIS jacket for the world!"
Maybe...not for the world...but for a homeless beggar...how much would you give?

And the JOY! Oh my! The joy of giving...I cannot describe it! Your heart swells to bursting, the sky opens up, the chills that run down your spine....when you give, something special happens. You smile. Your face is one big, huge smile. Knowing that someone else is happier just because of one small simple act...it's just the best feeling! and it can be from the smallest act of love, like holding the door open or being gracious to a cashier at the store, or maybe picking up the tab for someone else's lunch without their knowledge, to anything you can dream of...all because of one simple act of love on your part.

Just one simple act...this Lent, begin practicing a simple act of love each day. Within forty days, I promise you...it will become a habit that will carry you through a lifetime!!