“And do everything with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
Be the Somebody
There’s an old song from my younger years that had a chorus that said, “Don’t you want somebody to love? Don’t you need somebody to love? Wouldn’t you love somebody to love?” And don’t we need that? Somebody to love? That’s my challenge for us today, let’s:
Be the somebody!
After our grandson had a medical emergency and our daughter and son-in-love stayed at the Ronald McDonald House while he was hospitalized for three months, we desired to give something back to the place that provided so much comfort and convenience for our “kids” during that time of anguish. That’s when we asked others to help us collect pop tabs which we’d learned the Ronald McDonald House uses to help pay their electric bill.
The response has been amazing! A baggie full here. A plastic container full there. A cardboard box-full left on the porch. And three years later, they just keep coming!
“Don’t you want somebody to love? Don’t you need somebody to love? Wouldn’t you love somebody to love?”
Recently, my husband shared that he thought one of the best definitions of love he’s seen is…a pop tab. Bet you’ve never thought of love that way before! He went on to explain that “somebody” must first think about our family, next, take the action of removing the tab from the can, then be dedicated to saving them, and finally offer their gift to our family.
“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other;
let us show the truth by our actions.”
1 John 3:18 (NLT)
And that’s “the truth” we see in a simple pop tab. All it takes is somebody to love.
If you’re like me, you’ve made it a lot more complicated than that. There have been times I’ve talked myself right out of offering a gift of love to others. Oh, I convince myself there’s good reason. I don’t have enough to offer. I don’t have the time. Or the easiest of all: Somebody else will do it.
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
John 15:13 (NLT)
True love does take thought, time, and action. They are the very things that can interfere with our own plans and agenda. But, when we lay those “things of life” down, to give to someone else? That’s when Jesus, the One who knows all about laying down life, truly shines through.
“Don’t you want somebody to love? Don’t you need somebody to love? Wouldn’t you love somebody to love?”
We know this world is in desperate need of love. You may even be thinking of a person you know who would love, love right now. There are a few who have come to my mind. So, my challenge for today and tomorrow, and the next, stands, let’s:
Be the somebody!
Send the card, provide a meal, donate the money, send a text, order flowers, pick up the groceries, or yes, remember to pull the pop tab off the can.
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13:34-35 (NLT)
I love being part of http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and writing with the same prompt and seeing all the different takes on it. Just click over and you can see for yourself!
Beautiful message, Cindy.
Thank you Sandra, that means a lot to me!
This is a beautiful message. Thank you.
Thank you Dawn! I’m always grateful when the Holy Spirit leads me to a lesson I need reminded of! I appreciate you stopping in! God bless.
Hi there, popping in from FMF! It’s my first week there, and I am amazed by how prolific some you can be in just 5 minutes! I’m hoping that with time and practice, I can catch up a bit. I believe that I may be a generation behind you, but I am very familiar with those song lyrics. I was singing them in my head as I read them. It’s incredible what you’ve done to “give back” to RMH. It’s a wonderful organization that provides a vital service. You’ve really made me think about what *I* can do to “be the somebody”. Love and light, Alicia 💜
Hi Alicia! I’m so glad you are joining in at Five Minute Friday! I’ve been a member for a long time and get great joy, inspiration, and encouragement from everyone!
I want you to know that I don’t stick to the five minute, unedited guideline. (Too much of a perfectionist I’m afraid) I think there are others who take more time , too. Things are pretty easy going here so feel comfortable to make it work best for you. Thank you so much for taking time to comment. It means so much to me! God bless.