A Friend Who Notices

Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

Small rectangles popped up on the screen, tiny windows into participants’ homes. Some people waved, others unmuted to say hello. In the background, family members, televisions, dinner tables, or office furniture could be seen.

Our local MOPS group was meeting virtually, and I had logged on, eagerly anticipating the time of connecting with the community of women. But my friend Erin, who was also on the call, noticed one woman in particular. She knew this mom had a newborn baby and a toddler at home, and in the dim lighting of the computer camera, the woman looked exhausted.

She looks like she could use some help, Erin thought to herself.

After the meeting, she reached out to the woman—a stranger to her—to ask about dropping off a meal. To her surprise, it turned out they lived in the same neighborhood. Erin’s gift of food turned into a friendship that has since lasted well beyond those hard days of newborn babies.

If I’m honest, there have been times when I have noticed someone and thought they could use a helping hand but have forgotten to follow up. My good intentions sometimes fall flat. But James reminds us not simply to hear the Word and do nothing. Instead, we must participate. When we do, we take the same posture Jesus did of serving others; our actions bring him glory.

I’m grateful for friends like Erin who are good at noticing. Yet Erin’s gift lies in the fact that she chooses to act in faith, not knowing the outcome. She doesn’t just see someone else’s distress; she goes further and actively does something about it. Her outward focus is a reminder and a challenge to me to be the kind of person who notices others. Her active friendship requires me to ask, Who around me needs to be seen? Who needs a helping hand, a meal, or a word of encouragement? How can I meet that need?

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Think of one person who is good at noticing others—their needs, their challenges—and actively helping. Thank them for being a good friend to others.