Guest Post by Author Nancy Lewis-Shelton
Jesus said, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me. (Matthew 25:35-36 NIV)
During his lifetime on Earth, Jesus showed kindness to those in need, though he could have instructed others to do it for him. Kindness and eight other attributes form the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5) This quality of a Christian life lives inside us. Even if we don’t know what to say or do, the Spirit will empower us to provide a welcome, refreshing day for a friend, acquaintance, or even a stranger. In these days of blame, contempt, fear of violence, and global stress, we need more kindness. “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, or a kind word or the smallest act of kindness, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” (Leo Buscaglia)
A couple of months ago, I heard about a speech given by a church bishop who was bothered by a flag which, to him, celebrated “racism and intimidation.” Soon after his presentation, a group raised money to create a digital billboard that said, “Hate Divides, Love Unites.” Now, there is a movement in parts of my state to erect more billboards. What if more individuals practiced small gifts of kindness? Would that catch on? Hate and violence often have a ripple effect. Why not kindness?
As I began to review a recent week, I pondered the kindness shown to me. A warm, peaceful feeling filled me: hugs at church, a neighbor who mowed my yard, unexpected assistance at a store, and an offer of help at the recycling center. Yesterday, at a grocery store, the banana incident added to my collection. I had advanced to the self-checkout area, heading a long line of customers. I couldn’t master how to ring up two bananas with no price code. I looked at the next person waiting with his arms full of produce. “I’ll get bananas the next time,” I said, sacking my groceries and hurrying outside. Then I saw him waving at me. He rushed over to give me a large bunch of bananas. “Do something kind for someone else,” he said. It was a small action, but as I drove home, a feeling of love enveloped me.
That night, I prayed for help to practice more kindness. When I was out and about, assisting someone with a walker or handing a bag of snacks to a homeless person was easy. However, it was more difficult when my dog and I were home all day. Then I received a long letter from a relative wishing me well. I could make an effort to contact old and new friends, ask a neighbor if she needed help, send a thank you card to a person who advised me about a problem, and so on. However, by the end of the week, I became less conscious of the kindness opportunities in my life.
Then, on Saturday afternoon, I stopped at a garage sale. A woman came to ask the homeowner if anyone had a window air conditioner for sale. A relative had abandoned a nearly new one for storage in my garage. I approached the lady to give her my phone number. She indicated she suffered from the heat but didn’t have much money. “Don’t worry. Come see if you want it,” I said. After she and a friend loaded the conditioner into her car, we talked for a moment. She’d had significant health and job problems and was suffering from the recent heat wave. Why did both of us arrive at that sale at the same time? Was it a coincidence, or did God know I needed a reminder not to give up on my kindness project? This morning, I received a thank you text message which ended with the words, “Have a blessed day. I’ll tell others of your kindness.”
Thought: “I wept in the night for the shortness of sight that to somebody’s need I was blind. But I never have yet felt a little regret for being a little too kind.” (Unknown author)
Nancy Lewis-Shelton retired from public education after years as a classroom teacher and school counselor. Published work includes devotionals and fiction/non-fiction short stories for adults and children. Recent publications include two fiction novellas about Cookie, a pet sitter. Volunteer activities include: church senior choir, elementary school Reading Buddy (Council of Churches), and a local oral storytelling group. When she’s not writing or volunteering, you might find her digging in the garden, playing bridge, reading, enjoying events with her daughter’s family, or participating in activities with her pet therapy dog, Robin.