GOOD DEEDS

Proverbs 3:3-6 (NRSV)

Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good repute
in the sight of God and of people.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

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Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
- Hebrews 13:16 (NRSV)
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I recently moved into a new community. Shortly after settling in, I ventured to the local market for groceries. At the checkout counter, all my items had been recorded and paid for when a woman behind me noticed a basket of tomatoes that the cashier had overlooked. I got ready to pay for the tomatoes, but the woman insisted she pay for them. After a lively exchange about who would pay, she was still adamant that she would do so, saying, "I need to do this; it's the first opportunity I've had today to do my good deed." I thanked the woman profusely and finally realized that I should not insist on depriving her of something she felt she needed to do.

Every day brings us opportunities to serve one another. We can easily overlook a chance to give or receive an incidental kindness that benefits another. Sometimes it is best not to insist on our own way but to be sensitive to another person's needs, to lend a listening ear, or to make amends.

God gives us the opportunity to walk through life with open eyes and with open hearts, remembering "to do good and to share what [we] have."

Prayer: God, help us every day to do all the good we can. Open our hearts to listen to your voice, and give us grace to obey. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Serving God in ordinary situations is an extraordinary privilege.

-- Hertha Laupmanis (Michigan, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Newcomers to my community