Have you ever gone to a restaurant and had a nice lunch or dinner? Things were going well until the check came….or didn’t come. Then things got even better. What a treat to find an anonymous person had paid your bill. Someone you didn’t even know. And they added on dessert as a bonus. What was going along as a normal day just became a special one. That little thing is called an act of kindness. Doing something nice for someone without expecting anything, even a thank you, in return.
We have a neighbor with five children. She and her husband have taught this lesson to them well. Frequently there is a soft knock on our door. We are excitedly presented with a homemade loaf of banana bread, biscuits, or jar of strawberry jam that the kids have made themselves. Sometimes there is a bag hanging on our mailbox that has a yummy treat in it. Their mother is teaching them service and acts of kindness. What an excellent teacher and students.
There are so many opportunities to share acts of kindness. It doesn’t need to be for a stranger. We hear about leaving coupons on grocery shelves or paying the toll for the next car. The kind acts from our neighbors bless us, too.
How about your family? Is Mom having a busy day at work? Make dinner for her. Kids having a rough time at school or with friends? Do one of their chores or leave an encouraging note under their pillow. Is Dad’s car dirty. Wash it for him. Call Grammy to let her know you love her. Send Pappaw a funny card. Take a neighbor some peanut butter cookies. Pass the 25 cent Aldi cart on to someone and do not take their quarter. Send someone something without signing your name like flowers, coffee, a gift certificate, or anything to brighten their day. Leave a gift on someone’s porch. Hold the door open for someone. Smile and greet someone you don’t know. If it’s raining, grab an umbrella for someone. Think about making someone else happy. Be nice. Be kind. Share Jesus’s love.
This Lenten Season are you spreading kindness? Putting a smile on someone’s face without wanting credit? You might never see the person again but the impression you make will stay with them. If you aren’t sure where to start, ask God. Pray that He will lead you to be a blessing to someone today. Let Jesus shine through you. Be gracious to someone. You might like it so much you’ll do it again tomorrow and the next day! Acts of kindness are limitless. The joy they bring is limitless, too. Spread some joy! You’ll get it back, tenfold, at least.
“Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Matt. 6:4 NLT
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
1 c. peanut butter
3/4 c. sugar
2 egg whites
Optional: 1/4 c. chocolate chips
By hand, beat egg whites until frothy; add peanut butter and sugar; blend well. May stir in chocolate chips. Drop on cookie sheet by spoonfuls. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned on bottom. Do not over-bake.
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 