I enjoy watching the variety of birds that feed at my feeders. At times, I’ve counted nearly fifty Goldfinches clamoring for a spot or scavenging for seeds that have fallen to the ground. I’m amazed how, in a few short weeks, their bright, yellow feathers of summer are replaced by the dull, brown plumage of winter. This God-given camouflage provides them added protection to survive.
God’s care and provision are manifested in all of creation. Yet in His sermon on the mount, Jesus assured us that God loves us much more than birds.
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26)
What a wonderful reminder of God’s love and provision! It made me wonder what practical ways I could express gratitude to God for all He’s done.
Matthew 25:40 says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
In other words, whatever I do for others blesses God.
So I started brainstorming ideas. Soon I’d compiled a list of ways to express gratitude to God by touching the lives of others.
Here’s my top 20!
1) Spend some quality one-on-one time with your spouse.
2) Hug your children.
3) Send a Thinking of You card to someone on your heart.
4) Share a meal with someone who can’t or isn’t able to return the favor.
5) Pray with someone who’s hurting.
6) Offer to take a shut-in on an outing.
7) Give to a worthy charity.
8) Be someone’s hands or feet.
9) Send a care package to a missionary or military person.
10) Invite someone who has no place to go to your Thanksgiving gathering.
11) Volunteer.
12) Smile at a stranger.
13) Lend a helping hand to someone who’s struggling.
14) Visit someone in a nursing home or assisted living.
15) Be a listening ear to someone.
16) Reach out to someone who’s lost a loved one.
17) Share the gift of laughter.
18) Help someone in need.
19) Show forgiveness toward someone who has hurt you.
20) Tell someone thank you!
How about you? Do you have an idea to add to my list? I’d love to hear it!
Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia Roemer’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.
UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
That is a wonderful list, Cynthia. And I love the birds photograph and the Biblical quotes you included. I’ve always enjoyed mailing greeting cards, especially to family and close friends on holidays. A few days ago, I mailed my St. Patrick’s Day cards, and I included an Irish Breakfast tea bag in each one.
Your Under Prairie Skies is on my TBR list, and I’m so looking forward to reading it. That is a great series.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Sharon! I love getting cards, though card sending is fast becoming a lost art for many. What a wonderful outreach you’re doing. Don’t stop! Thank you so much for including my Prairie Sky Series on your TBR List! I pray you’ll be blessed by them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Beautiful birds, Cynthia. I love birds, too, and watch them while reading my morning devotions. I think one thing you forgot, maybe I missed it, is to pray FOR someone. I moderate an online prayer chain of about 29+ dedicated women all over the U.S. It’s both comforting and a blessing to all of us.
Thanks so much, Bonnie! You’re right. What a wonderful prayer ministry. Thanks for sharing!
Love the beautiful red bird Cynthia, i have a sift spot for them, i like to spread encouragement where i go, blessings.
Thanks, Ann. You are a wonderful encourager! Blessings1