Countdown T Minus 4

I am still thinking about the idea from yesterday — that looking out for the needs of others makes God happy. That is really sticking! I like scripture and ideas like that where your brain voice screams, "Duh! Why didn't I see that before?" Good stuff. I feel privileged beyond words to know so many smart friends, who can point out all this obvious wisdom for me.

Two things are on today's radar, and they also stem somewhat from yesterday's post. First, as a mom aren't I by default alone doing selfless acts on a daily basis? Should that be enough? And two — I sit in my house a good bit of the day wailing away on my computer for the newspapers. I do a lot of interviews by phone for my work. If I don't see many people all day long, am I depriving myself from human interaction that might provide opportunity for do-gooding, or rather, doing God's will — and best yet, making God happy? 

Here's my thought on the first question: maybe mothering helps us tune in to other people's needs better. As a mom, you absolutely positively have to put yourself second or third. So maybe being a mother just helps hone that awareness skill, helps fatten up that "do unto others DNA." Maybe it's like having a degree in a subject or lots of experience when you apply for a job. Not sure on all that though. Maybe all of my daily deeds will be things I do unto my children. Maybe that will be the point. Who knows.

As always, a friend shined some light on this — but she turned it around a little bit. She thinks we might just find the example we're seeking FROM our kids. Hmmm...

I met this particular friend in high school. We were in the orchestra together. She is a sweet, smart gal who has a bright perspective of everything. I've always enjoyed staying in touch with her over the years. She definitely has a strong faith, and a strong sense of humor. Here's what Orchestra Friend Forever says:

"Every now and again, I do believe I make a conscious decision to act on something after receiving repeated messages from God in very obvious ways. Other times, I just react out of sympathy or empathy for someone. These are emotions that have been strong in me since I was a little girl. I certainly go through periods where I get lost in "Me World" and lose focus on the act of doing for others. And then I get a little wake up call from an eight-year-old. My son, Noah, sets an example for our whole family on what it means to give freely and love unconditionally. Must be a God-given trait!"

Perhaps next month I will look to emulate my children, instead of thinking how I do so much for them. Like Orchestra Friend Forever, my children definitely look out for others daily. Maybe God's Helping Hands was some good training!

The second thought I mentioned really scares me. It makes me wonder if I'm going to feel compelled to really keep an eagle eye open for opportunities whenever I do get out of the house. I'm afraid I'll be practically knocking someone over to help them on my weekly trips to Publix. But I suppose if I am praying to be God's hands he will lead me. And maybe that does mean fulfilling a need for someone in a more personal realm.

Deep thoughts from the carpool line.