Show a Little Kindness
Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay Him for His deed.
I John 3:18
Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
A Kenyan village chief walked the distance to our Children’s Home with a little boy not more that seven years old. The little man seemed so small walking quickly, almost two stepping to keep up with the grown man as they made their way through the gate and towards the dining hall of the Home. The village chief had come to ask if we would take the little boy as he was now without father or mother. One parent had passed away and the other had been seriously ill, finally succumbing to and dying from their affliction. I invited them to sit as we began to hear the little guy’s story. While taking down his information, little man sat stone still, not moving a muscle. His clothes were shabby and filthy. One sack bag was all that was brought with him. I asked if he had any other clothes, and the chief opened the sack for me to see. Only a ripped piece of clothe was crumbled up in a ball, not even still what you could call an article of clothing. Yet along with the sight of the bag contents, a strong whiff of urine rose from the bag. Both the chief and I instinctively pulled our heads back. Upon seeing our reaction, David, one of our older boys of about eleven who had been with me when the chief came, slowly walked over to our table, took the bag from us, pulled it behind him, and gently spoke, “I’ll take that Mum.” Then he put his hand out to the new little brother and began to talk to him in Swahili in a soft, kind tone. You see, he had been that little boy once too, coming to his new home for the first time. Another memory comes to mind concerning kindness. One of my sons called the other night wanting my apple pie recipe. It was Thanksgiving eve. He’d purchased a sack of Granny Smith apples and was working at pealing them all when he called. Pie plates had been purchased earlier at Target’s. He was on a mission to make pies and take them to older folks and friends, as many as he could get from his big sack of apples. His thoughts had not been for his own wellbeing for the holiday, but on bringing a little home-cooked sunshine to someone who could really use a little love and attention. Maybe they had had brighter days, and a heart filled with days gone by filled with loved ones long gone. Just to bring a little joy and kindness would mean a lot. I’m proud of his heart. Both of my sons, one Kenyan and one of my own blood. And both just like their heavenly Father who tells us in His Word, to show a little kindness.
What about you? Can you slow down today, notice someone along your journey, and show them a little kindness? Ask the Lord to open your eyes to see those all around you. Remember, a little kindness goes a long way. Blessings on your day.
