Live Kind

Live Kind

by | Aug 4, 2022 | Blessing, God, Support

Worried about another major expense, I prayed this week that the repair of my car would be minimal.

That prayer was on my mind this morning when I saw my mechanic’s name pop up on caller ID. He called to tell me he thought he had resolved the problem. Grateful, I asked, “how much do I owe you.” He answered “nothing.”

I got goosebumps and immediately recognized God’s hand on my life at that moment. Even so, I began to argue about his decision, but then he just said, “I’m doing my good deed for the day.”

God answered very clearly today. Not only was the repair minimal, but He also blessed me with a “no charge” repair.

Unusual kindness 

The Apostle Paul experienced an unusual kindness. On his journey to Rome, the ship experienced hurricane-force winds, and Paul, his fellow prisoners and soldiers shipwrecked at Malta.

Already exhausted/drained from the storm, Paul and the prisoners barely escaped death by the soldiers who feared they would all escape their imprisonment. Because the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life, he kept them from carrying out their plan.

Once the ship hit a sandbar, it began to break into pieces by the pounding of the surf. Time was of the essence, so they jumped overboard to get to shore. Stress and anxiety were at a high. They didn’t know what to expect.

Cold and wet from jumping from a run-aground ship, they found kindness on the island of Malta.

The islanders showed us unusual kindness. Acts 28:2

Not only did they find a warm welcome and kindness upon arrival, the islanders also took care of their needs when they set sail again three months later.

Kindness inspires

God uses people like my mechanic and the islanders to bless and inspire us. They put others ahead of themselves, taking care of needs as they see fit.

Watching people put the needs of others above their own inspires us to do the same. I know it did for me. Not only does our kindness help others, but studies show it even improves our health too. We all could use a piece of that.

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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better

than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

Everyday blessings refresh and restore

Everyday blessings refresh and restore

by | Jun 4, 2022 | Belief, God, Hope, Support

Texas-sized offer

He dropped off his business card at my house the afternoon of my husband Matthew’s memorial service. I didn’t see him, but he left a message. With a heart as big as Texas, he offered to mow our yard for a season and teach my boys how to maintain it when they were older.

And he did just that. While my head was spinning with the events of the previous few days, God sent someone to lighten my load.

Ziplock treasures

He shows up at my back door every few months with a Ziplock bag in his hand. His words are few, just “I went fishing today and brought you some white perch.” His demeanor is quiet, his actions loud. He wears generosity admirably, and I am blessed by it. I’ve learned to accept the gift and appreciate the giver (and to pan-fry white perch like a pro).

A box of chocolates

She calls every year around Father’s Day checking if we’re in town. “I want to drop off something,” she tells me. The first few years were a variety of chocolates, which the boys and I devoured. Later, she left a healthier choice.

Many people are generous and thoughtful following the death of a loved one. But it’s uncommon to continue blessing someone for six years. Her consideration of my boys, especially during a time when they feel loss, refreshes my spirit.

Be refreshed

Paul tells us that the Christians in Corinth refreshed Titus’ spirit.

By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. (2 Corinthians 7:13; emphasis added)

That is what God has done for me, and I bet He’s done the same for you. He refreshes us through people. He restores our hope with kindness given. It may be through family, friends or acquaintances, or the warmth and thoughtfulness of a good neighbor.

Don’t miss the encouragement God delivers at your doorstep. And take a moment to be a blessing to someone today.

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