Becky Crenshaw

Whenever we have opportunity, we should do good to everyone – especially to those in the family of faith.  Galations 6:10

Opportunity [karios] the right or seasonable time to do something

Summer allows us opportunity.  The boys and I talked much this year about the Lord blessing us with a season not only to sleep in and swim but a summer to serve…  And serve together.

Paul encourages us in Galatians to seize opportunities to serve those in the household of the faith.  Now, momma, you have been servin’ overtime, I know.  You’ve made more peanut butter and jellies and washed those pool towels more times than you can count.  But I have tried to look past my own household of faith and keep my spiritual eyes open for others outside my four walls.

Our grandmother is the most obvious opportunity for us.  Sweet Mamaw.

I’ll admit that taking three woolly boys into her tiny retirement home room has its challenges, but good weather and chores helps them have a project and means to workout their willies.

Monday was deemed, “Mamaw Monday.”  We took the afternoon to visit and do things around her little apartment.  We didn’t always make it over and some weeks we had to be flexible with our days and her doctor’s appointments, but the biggest victory was training my boys to think outside of themselves and that we don’t go see Mamaw for ice cream only  (she always has a freezer full for them).

One Monday we cleaned her back porch chair cushions and windows.  Our prayer was she would have a pleasant patio to drink her morning coffee and enjoy some Jesus time.

These opportunities also allowed my oldest, Grant, to flex his “fix-it” muscles.  When Mamaw had something broken, I’d give that responsibility to him, telling Mamaw (with Grant in ear shot) that he is my handyman!  My fixer-upper.  This empowered him as he is learning how to use tools and develop these skills.

Little Luke was usually along for the ride.  Not always wanting to participate, more interested in playing, but he did what a five-year-old could manage.  And that is fine with me.

I also wanted to share with you several scriptures that are great to read through with your kiddos that explain more about serving others with our time, abilities and money:  

Hebrew 13:16, Isaiah 58:10-11, Leviticus 19:32, John 15:12, Matthew 25:40, Luke 3:10-11, Colossians 3:23-24, James 2:15-17, 1 John 3:18, Proverbs 25:21, Acts 20:35, Romans 12:10, Ephesians 4:32, Philippians 2:3-4, Proverbs 22:9, 1 Timothy 6:18, Matthew 7:12, John 13:34-35, 2 Corinthians 9:7

As you are looking ahead to these last weeks of summer, ask the Lord for new opportunities to serve!  The Holy Spirit will lead and guide you as your eyes are open and hands held wide for His prompting!

Lord Jesus, this is the day that You have made!  Let us rejoice, be glad, and serve you well today. Let us be actively looking for these “opportunities to do good to all men, especially those in the household of the faith!”  Give me and my children hearts after your very own… a heart to lay our lives down for others.  In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

And I know many of you have already been serving serving serving this summer!  I would love to hear what you’ve been doing!  Angel ministries?  The mission?  Trips?  Share away in the comments below!