An Early Morning Message (09/26/2026)

Yesterday, when it was a reasonable time to call, I dialed my friend’s number to run something by her. When she answered, I could tell she wasn’t feeling well. As we talked, she told me she was skipping her regular activities and staying home, trying to recoup from a fall cold. I asked if she needed anything, and she assured me she was fine. We said “goodbye.” But the LORD had another idea.

Within seconds of hanging up, the LORD filled my heart with memories of what a terrific friend she is and my mind with an idea of doing something for her. I thought about it, grabbed my keys and I was off to Kwik Trip for orange juice, my favorite flavor of ice cream, and flowers. I made my stop, grabbed what I’d gone for, paid my bill and was off for delivery of my care package.

I rang the doorbells, and I could hear her coming toward the door. When she opened the door, the smile on her face was one I won’t forget. “You didn’t have to do that!” she told me. And I knew I didn’t have to do that, but I wanted to do that. I reminded her of how supportive and loving of a friend she has been to me.

As I consider my life, I must confess that some of the most rewarding moments for me haven’t been from meeting requirements but rather from responding to another’s situation even though I didn’t “have to.” The LORD guides us to have those moments of consideration of another, He gives us little ideas that we take as our own, but they are not. What is our own is if we respond or just dismiss those ideas of thoughtfulness.

And as I consider my life, I must confess that some of the most beautiful and stirring moments in my life were those when others reached out to me knowing I was struggling with a handwritten card, a bouquet, a porcelain angel, their favorite prayer. They all hit the mark in that they reminded me that I am not alone on this journey.  Recognizing that and acting on it is a gift to us and to those we serve in the moment.

As we continue our journeys of faith, buoyed by hope in our LORD who does not disappoint, let us allow the love within our hearts to stir us to moments of spontaneous caring and kindness for those in our lives who are having less than perfect days or moments – not because we “have to,” but because we want to and can.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.