Ah, weekends. We’re nearly there! It’s enough to make a person turn off the computer, duck and bolt from work early.

Weekends are often devoted to catching up, or enjoying the pleasure of being outdoors. While we are all entitled to take some moments to ourselves, I want to encourage you to do more than focus on you this weekend. Take a little time to walk around your town, or sit and think for a minute. Are there people around you that need blessing? A friend in need of a pick-me-up? We all know someone who is hurting, and even if we don’t, there are opportunities if you just take a moment to look. Even a few moments can make a world of difference.

Here in my town, we have a huge number of homeless people. Every Saturday I watch people stroll by with their arms loaded down with shopping bags, eating at nice restaurants, basking in the sun. They hardly have a glance for those who are down on their luck. In talking with the displaced, I find that their biggest desire is just acknowledgement and respect, in spite of their life choices. Imagine the difference if every shopper had a kind word for someone, or a bottle of water, or a conversation.

Or maybe you have that one friend who just can’t seem to get it together. Their house is a mess, their kids are a mess, or their yard is a mess. I guarantee you will make someone’s day and walk away feeling 10 feet tall if you find a way to help them.

Many of us don’t have time during the week to lend a helping hand between work, school and prior engagements. The weekend is a perfect time to make a difference and see a life transformed through our kindness.

Echoes and Silence, Patience and Grace,
Lauren Nelson
Editor, Hope Ink Magazine