Recently I was reading a book that suggested a simple but powerful exercise that could change your life.  The idea is to make a list of the top 10 or 20 people that are most important to you and to carry that list around with you.  Then, whenever you get a few extra minutes pull that list out and do something to help or encourage one of those folks.  It sounds really simple but I’ve got to tell you that I firmly believe most people are starving for encouragement, friendship, and love, and I’m sure this would have a tremendous impact.

I know that we all will call people that we care about when they are going through some crisis but why should we wait until then?  What if we just started calling to connect and encourage and motivate on a regular basis?  I’m confident that this would not only help your friends but I’m also certain that it would have the added benefit of helping you.

The truth is that when you reach out to help someone else it changes you for the better.  It changes your perspective.  It helps you look past yourself and your problems and opens doors for God to come into your heart in new and fresh ways.

Now, as some of you know, I’ve had a personal prayer list of family and a few close friends for a long time and I have been in the habit of praying for people on that list when I have a few spare minutes.  On occasion, I’ll even feel like God wants me to email those folks or text them and tell them that I’ve been praying for them but, to be honest, I don’t usually call them because I don’t really enjoy being on the phone very much but now I’m inspired to move beyond prayer (as important as that is) and actually call people.

How about you?  Why not call someone today and tell them that you believe in them or that you care or that you’re praying for them.  It could be exactly what that person needs to hear.