Stop for the One Tuesday {keyword STOP}

 

I've been reading some blogs where some of you were choosing a word for the new year. To be honest I didn't really want a "word." I'd done that before and I always got words like "discipline"- ouch! Or "focus"- seriously! One year I even got a phrase "no sloppy living." 

But this year as I was insistent I didn't want a word or phrase God began to speak a word into my soul that wouldn't leave. The particular word being STOP. Stop was everywhere and I couldn't run from it.

Stop. What? Maybe it was drinking too many cups of coffee or being on the internet too much?

As that word continued to stir within me, God had something different planned. It had nothing to do with what I shouldn't be doing, but yet what I should be doing for others. He wanted me to STOP and love those around me. Step out of my routine and see who I could help.

I've realized I've become too use to this crazy routine I have and maybe you are there too. I get up to an alarm with the automatic coffee already brewing, head to my Bible and books for morning devotions, then straight to the computer to check emails, the calendar, and of course, cyberspace to see what all you are doing. Then it's off to meetings, groceries, errands, lunches, more time on the computer writing, emailing, editing and then back out for evening meetings. You get the picture. It's a crazy routine and we all have one. Can you relate? Some days I think we've all gone mad in this world of busy!

And so God continued to say STOP. Stop long enough to see the ONE who needs help whether that is your child, a spouse, a friend, a man on a street corner, a mom who needs a sitter, a teen who needs prayer, or a family who needs food. God continually reminded me that I can't see those in need as long as I'm focused on myself. While running my own race with blinders on, like a race-horse, I can stay the course and accomplish more, but maybe I miss what God is wanting me to see.

I desperately want to see what God has for me, so starting this week I'm beginning a 52 week challenge called Stop for the One. A challenge to help me be mindful to step out of my half-crazed routine and serve another. I hope you'll join me and learn to STOP. 

Join me on this journey and let's see what God sees. Each Tuesday this coming year we'll write about how over the last week we were able to STOP and break out of our routines to serve someone else. I think we will all find this inspiring and a call to be more of who God called us to be -- His hands and feet serving one another. Christ always noticed the ONE. He always STOPPED.

Will you join in? If so, please link below. I'd love to visit your bloggy world, pray for you and those you might reach as we start the year. Plus you have to admit there is great encouragement in community. If you have any great ideas for stopping and serving another - please do share!

Can't wait to read about your adventures and the God you'll see as you Stop for One!