It's the thought that counts...right?

Okay, so I'm refraining from using the phrase, "It's the thought that counts."

I was thinking about this the other day. How often do we want to do something nice for someone but get side tracked? We meant to send them a card, we thought about it, but then used our time in another way. Then the next time we see that person, we say, "Oh, I was going to send you a card, but I (fill in the excuse here)." The other person responds with, "It's okay, it's the thought that counts." I agree that we need to be thinking and praying for people, but it can't stop there.

In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus blesses those who feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, show hospitality, clothe the needy, take care of the sick and visit the imprisoned. Jesus goes on and says that we are serving God as we serve others.

Jesus didn't say that we are blessed because we "thought" about feeding or serving others. He blesses those who thought about serving others, and finish that thought through action: sacrificing their time, energy, and other resources to serve others.

In 2009, I'm committing myself to be more intentional in how I give of my life. I want to serve others, not just in word, but in action as well!