Every year I do a little writing on a devotional book that will cover every day from November 1 until February 2.

I wrote this a year or two ago, for November 11, St. Martin’s Day. Today I am in a different place emotionally, but this essay reflects a moment in time.

November 11

Martin of Tours, Bishop, 397

Isaiah 58:6–12

Psalm 15

Matthew 25:31-40

…If you remove the yoke from among you,

the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,

if you offer your food to the hungry

and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,

then your light shall rise in the darkness

and your gloom be like the noonday.

The Lord will guide you continually,

and satisfy your needs in parched places,

and make your bones strong;

and you shall be like a watered garden,

like a spring of water,

whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:9-11)

…I am poor and needy;

hasten to me, O God!

You are my help and my deliverer…(Psalm 70:5)

The actions these Scriptures call us to take definitely apply to reaching out to strangers, collecting supplies for the homeless, and assisting aging veterans. These are all good causes and godly actions.

But what about the people I know and interact with regularly, who may be afflicted by illness or hungry for companionship? They need my time, attention, and assistance.

What about the people right here in my home–are they lonely? Discouraged?

And what if 

this year

the lonely afflicted person nearest to me

is me?

Just as St. Martin gave just half his cloak, 

I may need to conserve my energy and keep myself warm and fed,

Not out of selfishness but out of an awareness 

that if I am continually pouring myself out 

and never taking nourishment in, 

I will soon be unable to help anyone–my family, my church, and even the stranger begging for food.

As I journey through this dark season, Lord,

feed me with your truth, 

set me free with your grace,

wrap me in your love,

that I may be enabled to share truth, grace, and love with others.