Be Available on Purpose!

September 9, 2008

Before we can serve others we need to take care of home first.

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
       give careful attention to your herds;

Proverbs 27:23

Members of a family need to be rested and equipped to be able to go out and meet the needs of others. If they are worn out and grumpy they will not be able to shine the light of Christ to others. Laundry needs to be done, food cooked, lessons finished, character training worked on, and relationships strengthened. Although those things need to be high on the priority list, they are things that are a constant work in progress. We never really finish them, so we cannot use them as a reason not to go out and serve. The point is not to neglect your family and home to do good works.

The year my last child was born I helped start a kindergarten at our church and was the director and a teacher for 3 years. I honestly thought I was doing the work of the Lord at the time, but the sad truth is I was neglecting my husband, my children and my home. What good is it to minister to others if your home life is a mess? There is no such person as Super Mom! I wish I could get those three years back, but I can’t.

When home has some sort of order (not perfection), family members like each other and the calendar is not a ball and chain to us, we will be able to have the flexibility to drop that basket of laundry and go help someone if the need arises.

Now that our children are older our phone rings all the time. We have a lot of elderly neighbors and friends with several small children; there is always something for them to help with. This is part of our purpose in life.   

Ways to serve:

v     If you have been homeschooling for more than a few years you can help new homeschool moms that are overwhelmed. Usually what they need is encouragement!

v     Cooking meals is an excellent way to help anyone, but especially moms with several little ones or is pregnant.

v     Be alert to elderly people that may be lonely. A short visit, phone call or card would brighten their day. Make sure they are eating well.

v     Elderly people usually need a few things done around their home but cannot afford it.

v     New moms almost always need an extra set of hands, or just a little break to be alone.

v     Be quick to respond to deaths. If nothing else take a basket of paper goods and see what you can do to help. Sometimes just taking phone calls or greeting people at the door helps. Just be available.

v     The list is endless. Just commit yourself to the Lord. Ask Him to send you opportunities to share His love. He is faithful!

Be available on purpose!

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,

where moth and rust doth corrupt,

and where thieves break through and steal:

Matthew 6:19

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Part One: The Freedom of Being Available

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