Disclaimer first: I know my blog is called “At Least We’re Not Being Bombed by the Nazis.” It’s a reminder to myself about perspective. During the Blitz in London during World War II, people went about their daily lives, lived with rationing and many, many inconveniences, AND were being bombed by the Nazis. But they survived. My family is going through a difficult time right now – it’s not pleasant and it’s not nice. BUT, it could be worse. We could be going through this same struggle and have bombs falling on us. Lately, my blog posts haven’t reflected that.
Kindness: I read this quote today: The end result of kindness is that it draws people to you. It’s a quote by Anita Roddick
and I got it from www.brainyquote.com
My family has been inundated with kindness in the last few weeks. I shouldn’t be surprised – as my father is one of the most kind people I’ve ever known in my life. It appears his kindness to others is coming full circle.
The air conditioner at his house broke, some dear friends paid to have it fixed. He and Mrs. Betty’s dryer died – they were washing at their house but taking their clothes to the laundry room of their mobile home village for the dryer. Not a problem, just a pain. Someone from their church brought them a new dryer. Their church took up a love offering for them. (For those who don’t know, it’s an offering just because y0u love someone!) The people from Lockwood Baptist Church have just showered Daddy and Mrs. Betty with kindness. People bring them food (Daddy ate all the lime Jell-O by the way, and didn’t share at all!) they have been sending cards and visiting. People who don’t even know him are praying for him – and LOTS of people who do are praying too!
And it’s not just my daddy and his church. This summer, I made many trips up and down my stairs – and two “trips.” The first trip, I went down on my backside and last week, I went face first. My steps are outside and under a tree, both times they’ve been slick with rain and tree gunk. Today, two men from my church came and pressure washed my steps – they look brand new and all the tree gunk is gone. Last week, my sweet friend Cindy made too much pasta for dinner – and she brought me some, complete with a fork and a baby Coke. When she brought it, it was still warm. My pastor’s wife gave everyone at our church who teaches or works in a school a special treat for the first day of school.
I’m overwhelmed. People don’t have to do these things, but they do it anyway. I’m so afraid that in the hustle and bustle of my life, I don’t always do kind things for people when I have the chance. I want to be different, I want to be a person who thinks of others and acts on those thoughts. Lord, please help me to be kind and thank you for those people in my life who are such great examples of kindness. I’m truly blessed.
