Can you guess what I’m grateful for on this, the first #gratituesday of 2018?

A COAT!

With temps below freezing and dropping here in New Jersey, I found myself especially grateful for my big old warm coat as I clenched it tighter this morning as I went outside.  Along with my gloves, hat and scarf, the frigid temps were bearable.

BUT…

I cannot even begin to imagine how unbearable it is for those who have either no coat, or something ragged, thin and unable to protect someone from the bitter days and unrelenting dark frozen nights of winter.  Take a moment and do an experiment with me if you dare.  The next time you are outside, unbutton your coat for just a moment, and if you are really serious about experiencing what it’s like, take your coat off — for but a moment. 

Yes, it is horrible, isn’t it?  

I’m asking everyone reading this to take action.  Go to your closet and look through all the coats there.  If you’re like me I’m sure you will find at least one gently-used coat that you no longer employ, that’s in good shape but just not the one that’s your “go to” grab when you’re on your way out the door.  Now take that coat (or hopefully coats), brush it off, and put it in a bag.  Then take that bag to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army or drop-off donation box, or local shelter or food kitchen, or house of worship, and donate it.  If you aren’t sure where to do, check out One Warm Coat, a website that helps you find a local coat drive, or teaches you how to run your own coat drive.  Here’s the link:  https://www.onewarmcoat.org/.  

Please… as you think about health and happiness as the new year begins, think also how much donating a coat to a needy individual could improve their health and happiness.  One coat.  One small act of kindness.  Lifechanging.  Now THAT’s something to chalk up to a fantastic first #gratituesday!  God bless you!

Luke 3:11  “If you have two coats, give one away,” He said. “Do the same with your food.”