I have shewed you all things. how that so laboring, ye ought to support the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, "It is better to give than to receive." ...  Acts 20:35

The year 2005 has come! It is the end of January and we are "into tomorrow. " Many people have made resolutions, but they are sometimes too many, and often self-serving. Yet if there are specific goals which will allow the person to know himself better, he may gain insight into other people, and be of help to them in the process of change.

A year can be a new beginning or it can continue old ways.

We certainly need to look at our weaknesses and ask God's help to guide us in solving specific problems. Goals can be simple or complex. Examples of these might be to learn to listen better to others or to conquer the fear of trying new things. Once we have successfully come to terms with our own weaknesses, we can reach others.

There are multitudes of ways to help others, but we need not look far to find small ways to begin. As Paul states in the Bible, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Why not begin with a smile to those around us, and brighten the world for those who receive the smile?

Pray for guidance and for others in distress.

Hold a door open for someone or say, "Thank you." if someone opens a door for you. Thank you and other "nice " responses often seem to be lost in our busy, modern world. Manners and courteous actions are not "old fashioned!" I really appreciate a door being opened for me when my arthritis makes walking and other normal actions difficult for me. I smile and say, "Thank you " from a full heart -- this makes me happy.

I was in a subway in England a few summers ago when a heat wave hit the British Isles. The cars were jammed, but suddenly, a young man motioned to me to take his seat. I became aware that he was deaf, but he was certainly not blind, for he nodded in response to my smile and understood my "Thank you."

Look about and enlarge this list as you become more aware of the needs of others in small but specific ways. The gift is given to the receiver, but the giver is also blessed.

We can all gain strength, and the world will become a more positive place to live if we pray and listen for God's answers.

We are grateful that you made each of us special in your sight Lord. We ask for your help to see our own shortcomings and to be generous and kind to others. Please bless the receiver and the giver. Thank you. Amen

Contributed by Helen Y.
Published Sunday January 23, 2005
Week 9 of Liturgical Year A