Thinking vs. Doing

Last night I realized, again, that I tend to be more of a "thinker" than a "doer". Maybe my insecurities keep me from taking risks...maybe I'm just afraid to fail...maybe I'd rather just blend in with the crowd, so no one really notices me or maybe I hesitate because I assume someone else will step in and "do" what I was "thinking" of doing. Whatever the reason, I was shown last night through a simple act of "good neighbor" service that one person's actions can truly make a difference for the betterment of others. Here's the story: Recently our neighborhood has been hit by a lot of tagging and graffiti, especially on the community mailboxes. Each time I get my mail, I think about calling the post office or the city to find out if someone could come out to clean it up. But as soon as I drive into my garage, I forget about it and go about "my" business. I have been frustrated to see this kind of vandalism in our "neck of the woods", but I had yet to do anything about it except for "think" about what I should "do". But then last night about 8:15, I saw a man painting over the graffiti on our mailboxes. His name is Gil and he and his family live one block north of me. He told me that he had called the city to inquire about getting the graffiti cleaned up and was told about the adopt-a-mailbox program. So, rather than just "thinking" that would be a good idea, my neighbor, Gil, agreed to "do" it. There's no out-of-pocket expense for Gil as the city provides the paint and materials he needs to cover the graffiti. All that was needed was a willingness to step in and "do" something about it. I "think" about "doing" lots of different things, but am less willing to "do" them. Gil is obviously a "doer" and his actions will positively enhance our neighborhood. I am a "thinker" and unless I act upon those thoughts, they only benefit me. The Bible speaks to this also in Titus 3:8: "This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." I woke up this morning "thinking" I want to be more like Gil, the "doer". And ultimately, more like Jesus who was and is the greatest example of a "doer". I look forward to my trip to the mailbox today knowing that picking up the contents will not be the only thing I will think about...simply speaking.