Be Kind

 

This weekend I was reminded of the power of patience and kindness. I felt seen and loved by God through acts of kindness and patience. Traveling alone provides opportunities for me to see God in ways I could have never imagined. On that note, our Bible study this week is on this question, “Was Jesus ever lonely?” More on that tonight.

 

Imagine this: I wanted to come home early and there is a flight I might make if everything goes perfectly. This makes me in a rush to get to my gate at the airport. My friend's flight leaves later. I go through the Clear line at TSA, but it's slower than the regular line that my friend goes through. We already said our goodbyes, but my friend waits for my slow TSA line and me to get through TSA. Instead of heading out to lunch my friend waits, holds my bags, walks me to the gate, sees me off. My friend could have gone to lunch. 

 

Growing up fiercely independent I think I never wanted to be seen, to need another, I wanted to be confident to take care of myself. I think I accomplished that goal, but when someone knows I can do it, but chooses to stay, to go the extra mile, to show kindness and patience it communicates this massive amount of care. I feel loved and seen and valuable. It's a reminder to me that God sees me, values me, loves me, and stays. It's not about shame or competence or ability or confidence… it's just kind, patient, self sacrificing, present, value…When the kingdom of God impacts who you are and how you act it's powerful. Your character speaks volumes of who you are.

 

Today I was walking out of the gym and I saw the guy behind me hold the door open for the lady behind him. I was inspired. I thought, Jen, slow down, see these people. Hold the door. Show some kindness. This made me SLOW down. Yep, I lost 5 seconds in my day. I was patient enough to wait for them to come through the door. He said, “Thank you very much.” This is the worlds smallest way to put someone else's needs before your own. I'm not tooting my own horn here, I think I'm acknowledging that I can be exceedingly selfish. I felt the love of patience and kindness this weekend and it shook me. It was oxygen. I realized that in my hurry, I've really missed it. So, I want to continue to see people. To hold the door open not because they are incapable or I'm trying to be the hero or because I want to receive more… but maybe because I tasted the fruit of the Spirit. It's good. It landed on good soil. That kind of love shook me. It reminded my soul to breathe.

 

I hope you connect with God and feel Him meet you when you are alone and you are reminded that you are loved, seen, worth waiting for, known, and valuable. You are worth waiting for, you are worth holding the door open for, you are worth it. I hate that I have such deep wounds that I need to be reminded of this on the regular basis. But, maybe that wounding is the biggest gift, because I can feel the love of God in the midst of my deepest wounds and that is healing.

 

Receive love.

 

I came home and told my boys who have been taught to be a gentleman and respectful, much like what I experienced this weekend, that their character is outstanding and they may never know that when they execute respect, kindness, and patience to a person by simple acts of care that communicates character of God in powerful ways. I'm thankful for the good men in my life from colleagues to my husband to my sons. Good men. You are light in a dark world. Your light shines like a lighthouse from sea, you bring hope and remind me that, I see you and you see me and we are made for community, light, and love in big and small ways, always.

 

My prayer is in the midst of your day at work, school, or war you will experience courage, kindness, love, patience and know you are of great value!