Many times we wait for others to find needs and figure out a solution--and then we wait for them to push and prod us to volunteer or donate. We wait for someone at church to organize a program.
But there are needs--big and small--all around us.
Why am I not seeking them out? Why am I not rallying the troops? Why am I not praying?
Today I have been thinking about some simple ways that I, in my role of a stay-at-home-mom, can reach out and love people (both inside the body of Christ and outside).
1) Moms spend a lot of time cooking. Many of us do this freezer cooking thing. Why not double a meal and take the second one to someone else? Someone who just had a baby, someone who has been sick, or the college student whose primary food group is "Ramen." Better yet, organize a whole group of people to take that new mom meals for a week or two...
2) Visit a nursing home--if you're a regular reader of my blog, you know that I tried this recently in our new town! If your kids are old enough, have them rehearse a song so they can sing it for the residents. Strike up conversation. Ask someone if you can pray with them.
3) Clean for someone. Almost everyone could use some help with housework! In particular, people with back problems, new babies, or lots of kids...
4) Invite people into your home. I firmly believe that our homes are meant to be sanctuaries of God's peace for our families and for others. Many times we don't invite people into our homes because we feel pressure to have them in pristine condition. In order to love others, you have to let that perfectionism go. Jen just wrote a sweet post on that topic.
5) Write a letter. To your sponsored child, to your grandmother, to a Christian in prison...
6) Volunteer to watch someone's kids.
7) Find a place to donate goods that you have acquired through stockpiling/couponing. Preferably a reputable, faith-based organization that serves your community.
8) Seek friendships outside of your comfort zone. Do all the people you hang out with look, smell, act, and think like you? If so, it's time to start changing things up!
9) Most towns have homes for battered/homeless women or pregnancy centers for women with unexpected pregnancies. These can be great places to volunteer time or donate unneeded clothes/baby items.
10) What are the needs surrounding you? You might be the only one who knows about a certain need. Don't wait for someone else to meet it.
As always, I'm linked up to my favorite Tuesday meme--Top Ten Tuesday! I am also linked to WFMW.
