KINDNESS

The other day I found myself in a swarm of children (a typical scenario for sure), when someone stepped on my heel. I swung around with an irritated feeling inside, ready to reprimand the perpetrator, when I realized the child who'd stepped on my heel was not one of my own. It was a friend. Without a blink, I hugged the dear one and laughed it off. I really wasn't annoyed at all!

I caught myself and had to ask honestly why it was that I would be more frustrated if it had been one of my kids as opposed to one of our little friends??? What's the deal with my heart? And, the ironic thing as well is if you know me at all, then you know that I ADORE my children. Not only do I LOVE them, but I really, really LIKE them too. So why the annoyed reaction?

Well, this silly little moment has me thinking about kindness. How I treat my kids is how I'm treating Jesus. The Bible tells me so.

"And the King will answer them,

‘Truly, I say to you,

as you did it to one of the least of these

my brothers, you did it to me.'"

Matthew 25:40

Jesus LOVES children...so do I. I'm reminded though, that sometimes it's those we love most who we find ourselves most comfortable with and therefore more relaxed in our reactions. At our recent marriage conference, the speaker pointed out that the opposite of love is not hate, but rather apathy. I think he was right.

LOVE requires intentionality to a certain degree and I'm bent on remaining intentional...no matter how comfortable I get with my loved ones, my roomates, my family. I realize fully that even when "no one" is looking, there is One who always is...and He's the One who matters most. He can fill us with the fruit of His Spirit. He can fill us with His kindness. He has an infinite supply.

So, I pour myself out (again and again) and I encourage my family to do the same so that together and by the grace of God, we might abide in a home filled to overflowing with LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, AND SELF-CONTROL. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Lord, you are faithful to help us in our weaknesses. We ask that you would pour out your Spirit and your abilities through us as empty, cracked vessels. May we shine a light that comes directly from you and give you glory because you are able.

"Love is...kind." 1 Corinthians 13:4

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:22-23