Jesus said, “Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in my name, truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.

For several weeks, Mrs. Sherman’s first-grade class had waited for the field trip to the observatory. Notices had been sent home with instructions about the bus, lunch, and times of departure and return. For us students, waiting for the field trip was like waiting for Christmas.

Finally, the day arrived. We grabbed our lunches and coats and lined up for the bus. In the back of the room, one boy began to cry because he had forgotten to bring his lunch and that meant that he would have to stay behind with another teacher. In a few minutes, the other children had contributed extra sandwiches, fruit, desserts and drinks until the boy had a feast for his lunch. With new tears, this time tears of gratitude, he grabbed his coat, lined up, and climbed on board the bus with the rest of his class.

We had given him a “cup of cold water.” Acts of service are not always dramatic or earth-shattering. Simple caring is all that is needed. Discipleship means being alert for opportunities to care, to demonstrate God’s loving-kindness, and to teach others to do the same.

Loving God, show us ways to care, to provide for the needs of others, and to demonstrate Your love in real ways!