Make Time To Care! 9 Simple Ideas

By: idea coach

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” 1John 3: 18-20

Is your life busy and stressful? Are you often so concerned about getting the task done at work that you forget to take to time to encourage a colleague? Have you become distant to friends and family? Although you do care for others have you had time to show it?
Are you even neglecting yourself and time with the Lord?

If the answer is yes to any of the questions above then follow these 9 high impact steps to show someone you care.

1. Spend time having a QUIET TIME

That means no TV, radio, ipod, NOTHING. As you pray ask the Lord to bring to your mind pray that you recognize and remember people you know who could use some of your caring. Create a list and systematically schedule them into your agenda in the next 15 days.
It is also a good idea to maintain a notebook with the names, addresses, phone number and issues in case you want to send a quick card or care package.

2. Schedule time for YOU

Choose a day in the week to spend time thinking about yourself. Review God’s purposes for your life, your passions and his unlimited potential for your life. Meditate on Psalms 139 to reaffirm God’s statement of your uniqueness. This will also give you an opportunity to reflect and relax. Decide when you will do something special for you and determine what that will be.

As you take the time to re-focus on revitalizing and renewing yourself it will help you to have a more positive attitude. As a result YOU ARE MORE EMPOWERED TO EMOTIONALLY CARE FOR OTHERS.

3. Schedule 10 minutes every other day to call someone who is sick and shut in, still dealing with the loss of a loved one, or out of work.

∑ Ask them how they are doing and pause to LISTEN to the pauses, hesitations, or sighs in their voice, (Even if they say all is well)

∑ Ask them to share their prayer requests.

∑ Ask them if you can have prayer with them. “ I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.” Romans 15:30
Praying for the needs of others is powerful caring.

4. Schedule time to visit at least one elderly person.

You would be surprised at the impact a short visit will make to an elderly relative or friend. Listen to what he or she has to say even if you have heard that same thing many times before.

5. Make it a habit to encourage some DAILY

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. HEBREWS 3:13 (NIV)

So much time is focused on criticism and little time spent telling someone what they are doing right. People want to know that they are appreciated. A good dose of encouragement can ward of the flu of despair, discouragement and depression. You can, with the help of the Lord, make that critical difference in someone’s life.

6. Develop a list of folks you have not corresponded with since you sent them a holiday card. (If you did not send a holiday care they really will be surprised to hear from you.)

Remember that notebook suggested in an earlier step? Find a section and add names of folks you intend to connect with. You could even take the stack of holiday and birthday cards someone sent you and list those names as a start.
Drop them a note of encouragement or even an email if better than nothing.

7. Think before you SPEAK to a family member, spouse, friend or co-worker.

Sometimes we say the first thing that comes out of mouth. These may be words that hurt someone rather than heal them. Sure truth is important but truth should be shared without destroying the dignity or spirit of the person. They should be shared in love.

Try to think of the right words at the right time. Practice constructing words in your mind that HEAL. Then speak LIFE.

8. Put yourself in the shoes of the other person.

Close your eyes and imagine how you would feel if no one asked how your sick relative was doing. Or they really did not hear your response and tone of voice when you answered to the casually asked question “How are you?”

How would if feel if you were home with a long recovery and few people took the time to call, visit or write you?

9. Take the time to ask someone from another culture about his or her values, views and vision. How do they worship the Lord? What has been their Christian experience?

Recognize that person by sharing something with them they will appreciate. For example, if you know the kind of Christian music they like surprise them with it at a special occasion.

I am certain you can come up with more action steps. Add any that you wish. Let them become a part of your regular routine.

REMEMBER THAT THE CARING YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE ELSE WILL COME BACK TO YOU!

COPYRIGHT 2007, ROSEMARY(ROSIE) HORNER

Article Source: http://www.articles.narrowisthepath.com

Rosie Horner is an inspirational keynoter. Get a digital copy of her classic devotional, The Olympian Woman, at rosiehorner.com/products/products05_olympian.htm Also, the primer on Client Care, “59 Ways To Show Our Clients We Care at rosiehorner.com/products/products03_wecare.htm A must for any service oriented office.

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