I love Saturday mornings. If it isn’t raining I get up early, load up my kayak and join a good friend of mine for a paddle on one of the beautiful lakes here in Door County, Wisconsin. While I love the physical activity, what I appreciate the most is the conversation, friendship, and fellowship we have together. We laugh, we go deep, sometimes we paddle quietly, soaking in the beauty of a new day coming to life.
This past Saturday we were chatting about some friends who had ill family members and my friend said, “I don’t think I would make a very good caregiver.” He of course knew of our journey with David and how we started David’s Refuge to care for caregivers. Sadly he compares himself to me, which is never a good thing. I know my friend’s heart and his passion to treat people with respect and love. So all this week I have been thinking about what I want to share with my friend this coming weekend.
I boiled it down to this: Caring = Action. Do you want to be a more caring person? Then do something! Do one simple thing to remind a hurting or lonely or grieving person that they are loved and not alone. If you do that, you just became a more caring person! You don’t have to start a nonprofit or give away all your money. Make a phone call. Send an email telling someone you love them or are praying for them. Go shopping for them. Give someone a hug! The possibilities are limitless. Like the Nike slogan says, “Just do it!” One small act of kindness or hospitality or love can change a person’s life, yours included.
Do you want to be a more caring person? Do something, one thing for someone. Just do it!