There was a man in my church growing up that always had mints and gum in a fanny pack ready for every single person who walked through the door. You could always count on him to give you a smile and a treat.
I knew a lady, when I worked as a social worker, who would get to work about ten minutes before everyone else and wash all the coffee cups and make a fresh pot of coffee. So, when everyone else arrived at work, our coffee cups were on the counter, clean and ready to go for the day.
There is a couple at the church we attend now, and every Sunday they pick up donuts and bring them to the church. It’s got to be inconvenient for them to leave their house that much earlier to get to the donut shop in time to pick up literally hundreds of donuts for our church every single Sunday.
I started a long time ago, having a cup of coffee ready for my husband when he wakes up. I am usually up before him so I make sure when I hear him come down the hallway to fill his cup and have it ready to hand to him when he gets to the kitchen. This isn’t hard for me to do. Like I said, I’m usually up before him. It takes me 2 seconds to pour him a cup. This is a very simple act but my husband has expressed before how much he appreciates it.
Why is it that simple acts of love of kindness mean so much? I am starting to believe it’s because we never do them. We don’t feel like these little acts mean anything. We feel like they aren’t big enough to actually make a difference. So, when someone does do something loving or kind, no matter how small, it feels big. Big opportunities come every once in a while in our lives, but we have small opportunities everyday to do something that matters. Don’t wait for the big opportunities to be loving and kind. Why shouldn’t we wait for the big moments? Why should we act in the small moments? Why should we be kind and loving in the everyday moments? Let’s look at scripture.
First, because we are God’s chosen ones, and we are called to love.
“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).
Second, we are to treat others the way Christ treats us.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Next, we should strive to “outdo one another in showing honor”. Imagine if we tried to “outlove” our family and friends.
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10).
Moreover, we are free from sin as believers and we should use that as an opportunity to love and serve as a way to show that freedom.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).
Finally, we are to love because that is how we show others that we are disciples of Christ Jesus.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
Don't let the big opportunities to love pass you by. When a friend loses a loved one, show up and be there, take a meal. When there is a tragedy in your community, show up and be there, volunteer. But remember to look for the small moments everyday too. Open the door for someone. Take the secretary a coffee. Let that person who's clearly in a hurry into traffic.
Let’s strive to make ordinary acts of extraordinary love the norm in our own homes, in our circle of friends, and in our communities.
What is something small you can do TODAY to show someone kindness and love?
I think about Mr. Ken often and how that small act had such a big impact on so many kids.