It would have been much more convenient to simply forgo the 24-hour trip, stay home, and save the time and gas money. But instead, I jumped in the car to create a forever sweet memory. The trip was spontaneous - a sudden idea to spend some time with my mom while fulfilling a long-time desire to see a beautiful place from my bucket list. We spent a glorious day last spring in a small town in Iowa, tiptoeing through the tulips. Well, maybe I didn’t actually tiptoe, at least not all the time. I did, however, enjoy plenty of meandering, exploring, and admiring.
Turn your well-intentioned ideas into reality.
How often do we casually say things like “We should get together sometime” or “I’ll give you a call” or “We’ll have to go there someday,” but then we never actually follow through? Our well-intentioned ideas often get delayed, ignored, or ultimately negated. Often, we look back and wish we had acted on those ideas when we had the chance. Other times, perhaps we don’t think much of it if they don’t end up happening. But when we turn our ideas into reality - when we connect with someone or embark on an adventure - it can have significant rewards.
Make the most of every opportunity.
Bringing this idea home to life at Berean, as the Kids Ministry Director, I have the opportunity to interact with the children and their families every week. Our staff strives to make the most of every interaction by having those spontaneous hallway and classroom conversations, exchanging high fives and smiles, and reaching out to our volunteers in intentional and personal ways.
When we act on our instincts and intentions in this way, we often receive so much joy in return. Why? Because God made us to be relational, to love others, and to show his love to all those around us.
The greatest of these is love.
Here at the church, we may talk about the process, the programs, and the people. All are important and needed. But what truly matters the most? What is the greatest of these?
People.
Love.
Loving our neighbor.
When we take the initiative to pause and truly connect with others, so much beauty can happen. We can all be the hands and feet of Jesus right where we are.
May we be love in action!
Read More:
5 Ways to Form Deeper Connections: Friendship Lessons from a Jeep - by Tracie Henkel
We Were Never Made to Do Life Alone - by Tony Manning
