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SALT LAKE CITY — A friend of mine who manages a bakery shared that the employees had recently worked grueling hours to bake an extra 800-plus loaves in a week. The extra money went to help a wonderful needy family. The parents have 10 children, the father had lost his job, and now recently, through a terrible tragedy, one of their sons had passed on.
In the midst of this Easter season, I think it appropriate to share this post and join their efforts. While on the earth, Jesus Christ went about doing good to everyone. And though I don’t manage a bakery, I write. So to do my little bit of good, and encourage more of the same, I’m including an excerpt below of my Easter daily devotional book, "40 Days with the Savior."
HE TAKES TIME FOR PEOPLE
Luke 18: 35, 38-43
"And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
"And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
"And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith have saved thee. And immediately he received his sight."
I’m impressed with how the Savior takes time for this man. Jesus isn’t hurrying down a list of errands or running to a meeting. Instead, he is sitting still and hears the cry for help. After hearing it, he doesn’t ignore the man or schedule an appointment for later. Jesus simply stands, asks him to come close, and speaks with him. They converse and connect, and ultimately the man is healed.
Related:
When was your last Keeper Moment?
Keeper Moments equate to whole experiences. They engage all of our senses, which creates a whole experience, not emotional fragmentation. In these often random, simple moments, we feel, think and process in a way that multitasking doesn't allow.How often are we running through our day, literally and figuratively, only to miss the people we could have influenced? Moving a little slower might make us more open to those who need our love and encouragement, and likely won’t interrupt the to-do list after all. I often find that when I remember to go about life more slowly and consciously, my to dos are either completed quicker or more conveniently.
At one point I was finishing a book with an imminent deadline. Generally, my golden typing time was during my baby’s naps, but he caught the flu and for several days was fussy, crying, and up all night. Day after day, I was inches from my laptop but unable to be productive.
Then one morning it hit me — my son needed me, and that was the most important use of my time. That was being productive. Rather than be frustrated at the situation, I gave in freely to his needs. One particular day I did nothing but cuddle and feed him, both of us wrapped in warm blankets, going in and out of naps while the snow drifted outside.
What a keeper moment that was, and is. That’s what mattered most — taking time to simply love and nurture my baby.
The "40 Days with the Savior," e-book is on sale this week at $1.99 for the fundraiser mentioned above, and all profits go to this good family. Purchasing gives you a daily spiritual boost, and this family receives needed financial aid*.
Loving, lifting and serving are at the heart of not only helping others be happier, but inadvertently increasing our own happiness. This is only one of the many ways we can do that. And while we all serve others daily, I’m grateful to know of this particular need, and to have this venue to hopefully aid in filling it. Especially during this tender season, and not just this opportunity, I’m grateful for the heightened awareness to go about “doing good.”
*ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
Connie Sokol is an author, speaker, TV contributor and mother of seven. For more, visit www.conniesokol.com.
