Its the smell that I notice first. I’m in a cafe in the heart of Manly, but this time its not the coffee aroma that is stirring my olfactories into work – it is the freshly-printed fragrance of a book. Not just any book… our book, Love in Action! Our first-press copies have just arrived and I’m viewing our efforts for the first time.
Ever since I can remember I have loved new books: the crisp feel of unopened pages, the promise of stories yet to be discovered, the possibilities of future, restful musings as you slow to ponder over what you have read. Even in this digital age, I’m still convinced that a good, ‘old-fashioned book’ does something to you. It somehow enters your bloodstream as you absorb its content and mull over how it might change the way you see things – even the way you live. A good book moves you. My hope and prayer has always been that Love in Action, the first book to contain my writing, would do just that. That it would move you, the reader.
Our tale of community action isn’t designed to be a static, one-off viewing. We hope it will inspire you to “do likewise” and put love into action.
What is love in action? For me its many things. Let’s start with what its not. I’ve discovered over the years that taking action doesn’t always have to be hard work: begrudgingly ‘doing good’ to meet some self-imposed guilt, or to satisfy a need to feel significant. It may cost me – in time, in effort, in what I need to sacrifice to take action – but it can be a joyful experience. As I’m able to recognise blessings in my own life, I can then overflow blessing towards others.
For me, my writing has enabled me to put love into action. There are many other ways I could serve others, but using something I truly enjoy makes it easier to take those first steps. Steps away from our ‘me first’ culture; steps towards a lifestyle where others matter more. Love in Action tells the story of how Stu and I have journeyed and grown. It shows how lives can be drawn into close relationships and community fostered – formed through love being put into action.
Like the smell of a new book sets off a positive response in me, may the photos and stories on the pages of Love in Action stir something in you. May you be moved!
Written by Jim Collins
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