Have you ever watched an add or video that shows random acts of service, or people being nice to you? I have. Sometimes I feel like I don’t do anything all that great, I tend to be so focused on myself and the tasks that I need to do that I seldom see what I can do for others. One of my resolutions of this year was this:

I resolve to observe more
I will strive to listen and look at those around me and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I will not let my thoughts and judgement crowd out truth. I will look out for the interests of others, not my own selfish desires. I will place judgement on myself instead of others, and strive to eliminate those that are unnecessary including comparisons. I will spend less time trying to fill my mind and more time in stillness.

I have had three experiences in the past little while that I was able to get out of my own little world and help someone else in small ways.

We were at a picnic area at Yellowstone. There were multiple picnic tables, but all but two had recently been painted. We were lucky enough to get a picnic table that didn’t have wet paint, and were enjoying out meal when a large family group pulled up. They saw the painted tables and were standing around wondering what to do. I told them that we were almost done and they were welcome to our table in just a few minutes. We then quickly cleaned up and finished our lunch to allow them to use the table. We would have stayed there a lot longer if I hadn’t cared or noticed.

I was at a waterpark, just getting changed back into my clothes and ready to head out. I overheard a conversation where the Dad in the family had forgotten his swimsuit, and they were wondering what to do. I butted in and said I had an extra swimsuit. (My husband has two swimsuits, one of which usually sits in the swim bag unworn.) I gave the man the swimsuit (hoped it fit), and never saw him again.

While at the fruit stand buying some fruit, I was just about to pull away, when an older lady started to walk up to me. I noticed, and rolled down my window to see why. She asked for a ride up the rode a ways, which I gladly gave her.

Noticing people that need help is the first step. Sometimes I notice and don’t end up helping for I feel I have nothing to give or I am concerned about safety. I don’t regret those times. Other times I’ve not helped because of my own worries or feelings of entitlement and selfishness. One of my biggest regrets in life is not helping a couple more when I had the chance, and when I did help a bit I did so reluctantly. At the time, I justified it because I didn’t have a lot and was worried so much about my own well being, and I felt they could take care of themselves. But I could have easily given a little more and I missed an opportunity to help that I do not think I will ever forget.

I am grateful for the experiences God has give me to serve, and I’m finding as I pray for them and try to look beyond myself, there are abundant times that I can do just small things.