Whatever You Do

     Over this past week, God put two neighbors in need whom I was able to help in small ways directly in my path. I’m grateful for both of these opportunities, because I realize that it’s all too easy for me to be so caught up in my own world, especially when I’m going through a particularly trying time, that I am not as likely to see the hurt, hunger, or thirst in someone else’s eyes.
     The first gentleman who lives on the same floor as we do knocked on our door, and I answered it. He asked if I would assist him in rewrapping the Ace bandage on his arm because it was too tight, and it was difficult for him to manage with only one free hand. Since Kevin was resting on the loveseat, I went out in the hallway and sat down on the floor with our neighbor and helped him rewrap his arm. He was very grateful, and I was glad that he knew he could come and knock on our door and that Kevin and/or I would help him.     
     Yesterday after work, I was coming up the stairs to our place and saw the man who comes to clean the common areas in our building sitting on the stairs. I said hi and began to pass him when I saw that his vacuum was plugged in and sitting in the hallway. I know he and the woman he usually comes to clean with are both hardworking people, so I thought it strange he was sitting down on the job. I asked if everything was okay. He said he was just taking a break because the heat was really getting to him. I offered to bring him some water. He said he’d appreciate that, so I dropped off my stuff and came back with a large cup of cold water for him. Again, I was given the opportunity to do another super-simple gesture of kindness for someone God placed directly in front of me.
     Lord, thank You for reminding us that even in our brokenness, You are able to work in and through us to touch others with your gentleness and love. Help us to lift our eyes, so we are able to see our neighbors, friends, family members, and all those you place in our paths who are in need, so that we might do what we can no matter how seemingly small and insignificant to relieve their pain in mind, body, or, spirit. Amen.