“…Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

Upon reading the first time, it took me a bit to process what was being said. Is this meant to be a compliment or a lesson to learn? Then again, why can’t it be both? Think about your current daily life and if someone you know and respected said it to you. How would you react? It’s time we all begin to help others, slow down and not be so busy. We need to be out of our own heads and realize what all we have to be grateful for. Here are some ways you can implement this scripture into your everyday life.

Help Others

The main point of the reading is to help others and help those who need it more than you. When you are able to do that is when you know you did something for God. This can be something small like helping someone with their grocery list or running errands after work. Or it can be on a more grandeur scale by making a hot meal for someone who is house ridden or sick. Gestures like this go a long way.

Slow Down

For once take a second to notice what is going on around you. Take notice of friends, colleagues, and family. Have you been there for them when they needed you? Are they going through something in their lives right now where they may need you? If you do not slow down, you may never notice what is right in front of you. Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues. See what is going on in their lives and just be there for them. A little slowing down can go a long way.

Do not be so busy

We’ve discussed in previous blogs why it is good to be bored. It gives you time to pause and reflect on what is going on in your life. Over time we’ve become very scheduled and time crunched society where we do not have the time to put ourselves first. When we are able to do that, we are then able to help those around us. We become less stressed, less pre-occupied, and less agitated. If you have a difficult time being “bored”, add an hour of me time to your weekend and see how you feel afterwards.

Find a rewarding volunteer position

Sometimes helping a stranger is the most rewarding experience. You know the people using some resources such as a food pantry or soup kitchen need those necessities. Check and see if your local food pantry or soup kitchen need volunteers. Many will take your contact information and let you know when they can use your assistance.

Remember, we come from all different walks of life, but we should always find it in our hearts to help others who need it most. Take notice of your friends, family, and your colleagues and ask how they are doing and if they need anything. You never know what is going on in someone’s life unless you ask. We should all be trying to help those who have less than us.