By Elaine Baldwin| @elainehbaldwin

Good Deeds…Do Them. Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

James, the brother of Jesus, put it this way. For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. James 2:26

There is no shortage of need in our world today. Just this week I learned of no less than a two dozen needs within my circle of influence. Some of them were small things that I could help with quite easily. Some of the needs were much more than I could even begin to assist with in practical terms, but certainly can take them to prayer and offer a listening ear and a hug.

Some of the needs were not within my level of expertise, but a fellow one another did have the needed expertise so a connection was made.

Several of the needs were social in nature. I like those! Sometimes those around us just need some chill time with friends and family. Nothing earth shattering…just hanging.

Then there were those needs that I was (and still am) to remain silent. That’s right…silent. I don’t like those! If there is a need, I want to help. I want to give my opinion on how to fix it. I want to come up with the plan to make everything right. But, it is not always my job to do all those things. In fact, often it is not my place and I have to remember I am not the Holy Spirit.

A few needs I simply did not have the ability to meet for one reason or another and that’s okay. I am not Martha Stewart, Betty Crocker and Beth Moore rolled into one. Therefore I should not let anyone, including myself, pile guilt on when I have to say, “No.”

I wish I could end this discussion here on my week of good deed opportunities, but in good conscience I can’t. You see, there were some needs I simply chose to ignore. I was busy. I didn’t want to be bothered. I didn’t want to get involved. I didn’t want to take the time to love. The opportunities have passed. God used someone else to show His love. Someone else received the blessing and His well done.

Good Deeds. There is no shortage of opportunity. The only shortage is in love.

Photo By: Margaret Richards    http://richardsandcompany.smugmug.com/