Thankful Thursday - Opportunity

Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matthew 25:37-40

I did something last night, that I rarely do.  I watched the news.  Not just for the weather, or the latest sports score, but I actually watched.  Immediately afterwards,  I remembered why I do not watch the news.  Talk about depressing!  I know, I know...I need to be informed and aware of what is going on around me, but that is what I have all of you guys for, right? ;-)

Anyway, after watching I got grumpy.  No, not grumpy...down right funky!  There was so much to complain about! ...gas prices, local governments gone awry, embezzling town council members, interest rates, the political process...you name it, I thought it...and whined about it! 

Then I remembered something I saw on this blog yesterday. One of my favorite "blogistas" has issued a challenge, and I thought "mental note to self: I need to have a convo with Chris about this, and do something!"  After being hit with the reality, that as a middle-class American, I am one of the richest people in the world, I began to count my blessings...and I fell asleep.

I recently heard that "Give Back" is the new black.  Meaning, it's fashionable... (think American Idol, Oprah's Big Give, Extreme Home Makeover, etc...)  But here's my question.  When did it ever become less fashionable?  I mean, as a Christian, is this not part of my call?  If I am worshipping Jesus from the safety of my own little "Christian bubble", do I even get it?  Do I truly understand what HE is all about?  I think that is what He meant when He told this story...

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.

During my morning routine of coffee, emails, and blog reading, I noticed that my dear, sweet, precious Boo Mama has also issued the same challenge.  I immediately thought in response to my previous Note To Self, "self...this is your chance to ACT NOW...no more sleeping on the job!" Seriously!  I am so tired of being complacent and satisfied.  If I am truly a FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWER OF CHRIST it is my job, my duty, my CALLING to DO SOMETHING!!  So I did. 

I talked it over with KISA, and we have decided that our Family Night discussion for tonight will be about compassion, and caring for "the least of these".  We are going to donate three mosquito nets, because we have three kids, and we're gonna do it as a family.

...which brings me full circle.  Today is Thankful Thursday. 

• I am thankful for all of the sweet blessings my life holds. 
• I am thankful that, even with all our "issues", I live in a land of freedom, abundance, and opportunity. 
• I am thankful to Flowerdust and BooMama for being wonderful, beautiful women after God's own heart, and for issuing this challenge to me, and all their readers. 
• I am thankful that God is stirring in my heart, and causing me to move, and grow, and not be satisfied with the "status quo".
• I am thankful for the opportunities He gives me each day to shine His light, and share His love with the world. 
• I am thankful for eyes to see that this is what the KINGDOM of God is all about!! 

And I pray, oh I pray, that I will never miss another chance to do just that! 

 

If you would like to participate in Compassion International's Bite Back challenge, go here. 

And, as always, we'd love for you to join in at Sting My Heart for this and every Thankful Thursday.