Compassion Challenge: The Smiling Shamrock

Today's the day! I have no idea what God will bring my way, or if I'll even respond (only being honest about my human nature). But, I prayed this morning that He would give me compassion and show me ways to act on it. I'm ready.. I think.

Our shower has been torn up, in repair mode, for eight months now. My husband's friend, who was laid off two weeks ago, has agreed to work on it, which I'm very thankful for. As I waited for him to come over, God gave me new compassion for all the people--at Steve's company and in our city, state and country--who have lost their jobs. I wish I could do more to help and comfort them. But, for now, all I know to do is pray and pay one person to do what he does so well--construction and home repair. I hope this eases his family's burden in some small way.

After a long day, Steve and I trekked to Lowe's to buy some things for tomorrow's work on the shower project. As we stood in line to pay, I realized that I hadn't done one thing all day to demonstrate compassion toward others. Discouraged, I pulled out my credit card to pay the cashier. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a sweet, smiling face on a paper shamrock hanging on the cash register. It was a solicitation; all they asked for was one dollar to send kids with muscular dystrophy to summer camp. "This is it," I thought. "This is my answer."

I felt my heart beat faster and reached frantically into my wallet. I never, I mean never, have cash, but I dug anyway and, lo and behold, there they were: two beautiful, crumpled, dingy dollar bills. I fished them out and, smiling triumphantly, thrust them toward the girl behind the counter. As my husband and I sauntered out of the store, I thanked God for that little smiling face and His answer to my simple prayer.

For more information about the Muscular Dystrophy Association, go to: http://www.mda.org/

Compassion Challenge

I've decided to embark on a new 40-day challenge, starting today. I don't know exactly how it will play out, but the book I'm reading, Signs of Life by Dr. David Jeremiah, sparked the idea. The premise of the book is that, in light of society's generally unfavorable view of Christians, it is all the more important that Christians display signs that Jesus has transformed us and that we are committed to him.

The signs Dr. Jeremiah outlines are:

• Dusty shoes
• Worn-out knees
• Rolled-up sleeves
• An open hand
• Outstretched arms

From what I've gathered so far, it's essentially a call to compassion-a call we all should heed. I have already been convicted. Through the years, God has given me compassion for others, but all too often I refuse to act on that emotion. I lean heavily on my myriad excuses, everything from the tired "too busy" excuse to focusing on my limited resources more than God's provision for the sick and needy, if I will only listen to the promptings He sparks in my heart of hearts.

Today is a new day, thank God, and I'm shelving those excuses. By God's grace, I'm going to refocus on what really matters, not to me-but to Him-and pray that eventually the alignment of His heart for the sick, needy, poor and downtrodden and my faith in action will produce an explosion of random kindness and healing deeds. I have to admit I'm a little scared of what God might ask me to do, or that I won't pick up His signals, or that I'll continue in my selfish ways. But fear is precisely part of the problem. Faith, not fear, is the only way to truly love others as Jesus loves each of us.

I'm starting now. Join me, please, and let me know how God's love shines through your signs of life.