Be.Loved. 25 Simple Acts of Love to Change a LifeSample

DAY 18: Donate towels, blankets, or other supplies to a local animal shelter

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” – Matthew 6:26

God’s intimate connection with creation is undeniable. Consider the beauty in every flower, the sound of the early morning cry of the bluebird, or the smell of pine trees as you walk through a lavish forest. He cares for his creation.

And God’s love is reflected in the way people care for His creation, too, whether this is through the intense focus of a 5-year-old learning about a butterfly, the commitment of many local governments to renew and reuse products, or the dog owner with such a close bond to her dog that she treats her like family.

Animals, in fact, are a good reminder to all of us of God’s goodness in small packages. Psalm 147:9 says, “He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry.” He is the provider of every living thing. 

And we don’t have to be ‘pet people’ to realize that there is something inherently special about these creatures. Our love extends to all of God’s creation—this is true in difficult relationships with others and in our protection and care for other living things. This care, you will discover, not only blesses the creatures God has created, but offers a testimony to those around us.

Today, head over to your local animal shelter and donate some towels or blankets. Pick up some food supplies or other items. This simple act will serve as a reminder to you that God cares about everything in creation. 

And it can also serve as an opportunity for you to proclaim God’s goodness and love to those working or volunteering there. Tell them why you are there. Engage them in conversation. See where God takes it.

Reflect on how you felt doing this and what God did in this simple act of love. Consider how you may do other simple acts like this to show God’s love with those whom you don’t regularly engage.