I live in Southern Indiana, and today it is very cold and snowy outside my door. We, along with a large portion of the United States, are experiencing record low temperatures as cold air blasts down from the north. Quite honestly, this extreme cold is very unpleasant, and besides that, very dangerous. Consequently, I opted to spend some extra time in front of my fireplace this morning, reading and reflecting, hoping to warm my bones and my heart.

Reading my devotions, I was reminded of a scripture in James, chapter 2, verse 8. Part of the verse reads, “Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord’s command, “You must love and help your neighbors just as much as you love and take care of yourself.”” This started me thinking of the Facebook posts I’ve read this morning….so many friends who have frozen water pipes, dead car batteries, have lost power and are chilly, or are stranded in airports trying to make it safely home. And in that moment, the question came to me, “What can you do to help?”

Indeed. What can I do to help? What can you do to help?

I plan to check on friends who I know live alone. I will call elderly family members to ensure they are safe, and some church friends who do not have family or friends living close by them. And if they are in need, I will do my best to help. Perhaps you will be inspired to do the same. And, if in the calling, you realize your church might need an updated member directory, call or email our office. We can get you headed that direction today.

When Jesus commanded us to take care of one another, he knew the full measure of our interconnectedness. We are not islands unto ourselves, but as human beings, we are “part of the whole called the “universe,” a part limited in time and space.” (A. Einstein) Simply put, we need one another.

May today find you warm, both in your home and heart, and may you reach out to your neighbors to ensure they are warm as well.

Blessings.

K