1. Everyone can use affirmation. A friend reminded me of that recently. He’s right. Affirm someone who may not ever have anyone tell them they are doing this one thing incredibly well.

2. I wrote some reflections about our recent hospital experience over at What I learned by being in the hospital. (Socialmediachaplain.com)

3. My friend Jennifer wrote “presence“, a remarkable post about the value of showing up for people at funerals. And other times. Here’s a taste:

“People need your presence to remind them of God’s presence today. It might not be at a funeral (though if it is, you should go). It might be your co-worker at work today. It might be the customer who comes to your cash register. It might be the waitress at lunch. You will see people today who need God’s presence, who need GOD WITH US.”

4. Who is asking you for help right now? As you think about helping, where in the list of your motivation is, “What will I get out of it?”

That came to mind as I was reflecting on Jesus’ directions to the people on the plain:

“Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.”

I understand boundaries and being used and all that. But if our response is always, “what will I get out of this?” then we’re not in danger of violating our boundaries. We’re falling short of Jesus’ invitation.