I called a local assisted living facility to ask if our small group from church could play Bingo or other games with some of the residents.

“A few of them would like that, but do you sing?” the sweet lady who answered the phone asked.

“Well, my husband plays guitar, so we could sing some songs,” I said. We continued the conversation, making plans for our group to come one evening the following week.

So, we sang seven songs at a local assisted living facility a week ago and the kids handed out cards they made the previous week. As I stood with Rachel in the stroller behind four of our elementary-aged kids, I really liked my view of them and seeing the joy they brought to the Brookdale residents. I liked seeing them following the songs’ words with their fingers. Sure, interacting with people from their great-grandparents’ generation can be intimidating. I remember that being the case when I was young.

We aren’t called to a comfortable life.

{Tweet that.}

For me, I’ve had to remind myself sometimes life is busy and tiring, but that’s not a very good excuse, really. Maybe the busyness is seasonal and there’s a light at the end of the month. Or maybe the busyness is self-imposed and priorities need to change. I’ve been a victim to both scenarios. I don’t always handle busyness right, but I do know there are certain aspects of life that are always worth the sacrifice.

Yes, giving your time is a sacrifice. We only have so much to give, so where we give it matters.

*****

I know I’ve mentioned it here before, but we started this new small group in January. We meet together each week and focus on local service. Sometimes we go places. Sometimes we meet at our house to study James (thanks to Francis Chan’s video series on RightNow Media) or do things for upcoming outings. We share meals and our lives.

God brought together people from our church, my kids’ school, our circle of friends, and our family to be in this group. Three churches are represented.

All of this to say, I really love what God is doing in our lives and community through this group.

Serving those near you is always worth it.

{Tweet that.}

Sure, maybe you’re called to serve those far away too. But I know those near matter regardless of where you are. Your family. Your closest friends. Your kids’ friends. Your kids’ school. Your acquaintances. Your local community. Your interactions with strangers as you go about your daily lives.

Those people matter. That’s the truth my new small group has reminded me to grasp onto as we give our time to each other and those around us.

*****

I know sometimes it’s hard to think of ways to serve. During our first meeting in January, we brainstormed a list of ideas, some general and some specific. I thought I’d share some of that list with you.

• Volunteer at and collect items for the food pantry.
• Volunteer at and collect items for the crisis pregnancy center.
• Host Foster Parents’ Night Out events. {We have our second one coming up in April.}
• Collaborate with campus ministries.
• Make cards & meals for people in hard places.
• Serve treats to emergency workers. {We love this idea!}
• Sponsor families for Christmas.
• Provide Thanksgiving meals.
• Visit nursing homes & assisted living facilities.
• Help widows or elderly people with their yards.
• Make blessing bags.
• Have a bake sale to raise money for missionaries. {My oldest & her friends did this.}

What would you add to the list?

*****

Thanks for being here on my front porch. Would you consider taking a few minutes to fill out a survey so I can learn more about YOU? Plus, if you do, then you’ll be entered to win a $30 Amazon gift card.