The Thought that Counts

I was washing my car this afternoon and thinking about how many times I thought about washing it but never got out to actually do it, then the phrase, "It's the thought that counts" came into my head and I reflected on that for a moment and realized that no, it's not the thought that counts, just because I thought about washing it, that didn' t make my Tahoe clean.  As I was thinking on this, my thoughts trailed off into other areas of my life that this very same thing happens.  How I was gonna set aside that few extra minutes and bake with the girls, or play catch in the backyard with the boys, or do a project with the kids around the kitchen table.  Maybe it was a person that I knew was going through a hard time or a friend that had something great to celebrate and never made the time to pick up the phone and share in their joys or sorrows with them.  Maybe it was a time that the Holy Spirit impressed on my heart to go start a conversation with a neighbor that could just use a friend.  There are so many ways that the Lord works in our lives, ways He wants to use us for His glory, and we really need to take the time to tune in and listen to His leading. Then not only listen to his voice, but take the next step and act.  Whether it's baking or playing games with our kids or reaching out in love to some one that needs a friend, ultimately, it's not the thought that counts, it's the action that follows.