Leave it to my kids to continually remind me how simple it is to show love to our neighbors. Who knew a little weeding could be an answer to prayer, but loving our neighbor is that simple.

My oldest son just returned from an in country mission trip where he did service for others in a rural community. When he returned, he was compelled to do more in his own community. He met with one of his mentors to share about his trip. He shared how he wanted to do more and was hoping the youth group would plan something. His mentor asked why he needed it to be a group activity. That simple question set in motion an answer to prayer.

He decided that he would put some gardening tools in his car: hedge clippers, pruning shears etc. and wait for an opportunity. A recent storm lead him to the idea of helping with clean up. He had a couple of hours between his drum lesson and youth group that Wednesday. He walked to a house across from church, knocked on the door and asked if he could do some weeding. Choked up, the women told him that he was an answer to prayer. She had been praying and asking God for someone to help with some yard work.

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40 NIV).

I have to admit in my day-to-day life doing something kind for others has become an after thought, and it absolutely cannot be an inconvenience. I will help, visit, care when it fits my schedule. My very busy schedule. As I write this, I feel the conviction run deep. Lately, I have been so focused on me that helping a friend or a family member is met with irritation. The first thought through my head is, “I don’t want to,” followed by, “Can’t someone else do it.” I have wandered pretty far from this commandment. God forgive me.

It really is a simple commandment. Yet, I allow busyness and a poor attitude to take over my heart. My son did more in an hour and a half of weeding to build community than I have done all year. Ugh. What if we all gave an hour and half this year? That’s it-an hour and a half in the year. I believe it would make an enormous impact on the negative turn our society has taken. Others would start to see the power of Love. Love is the only thing that can bring light into the darkness. Will you join me?

What weeding lessons have you learned recently? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.