Kindness

"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

As I was walking toward the Kroger entrance, I noticed a young man looking my way. He was standing near a table with a variety of T-shirts and bracelets arranged neatly on it. He grinned and I couldn't resist giving him a few minutes of my time.

He was raising money for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. He explained the program to me enthusiastically and efficiently. Then he gave me a slip of paper with more information and a website to visit. I was glad I had some extra cash on hand. His smile and appreciation were worth far more than the small donation I made or the T-shirt I could have taken.

Upon entering the store, I thought again about one of the things he'd said, "Everyone is touched by addiction in some way."

As I looked over my shopping list, I also looked around at the other shoppers. All the people I see appear to be happy and healthy, but I bet more than a few are dealing with difficult situations of one kind or another, I thought to myself.

I saw an old friend in the produce section. We attended Bible Study Fellowship together years ago. She's had some pretty intense health issues, but is doing much better now. We exchanged only a few words, but we both understood that life had become more challenging over the years. Our short conversation ended with an acknowledgement that even though life can be hard, God is still good.

I continued shopping. As I was nearing the end of the baking aisle, a small woman with long, curly gray hair pushed her shopping cart, or buggy, as we say here in the south, around the corner and into the same aisle.

Smiling, she commented about the rain we were getting. I smiled back and said something about how much we need it.

"Your sweater is beautiful and looks so nice on you," she said.

A compliment is always a day brightener. Before I could tell her so, she generously gave me another one.

"Thank you. That makes my day."

"I'm glad," she said, with a sad expression. Before I could ask if anything was wrong, she shared her sadness. "I just found out my brother-in-law died this morning. It's so sad."

I told her how sorry I was, and I thought again about how much suffering is a part of everyday life. I smiled and assured her we would make it through the hard things.

She nodded her head and agreed with me before asking if she could have a hug. So, our short encounter in the baking aisle at Kroger ended in a tight hug between strangers.

She thanked me, and I thanked her. I think a few moments of kindness made a big difference in her day, and I know it did in mine.

I will remember that sweet encounter in the baking aisle for a long time. A few kind words, a listening heart, and genuine interest in another are gifts we all have to offer.

“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12

Catnaps are always especially nice on rainy days.

Max does not like rainy days, because he won't get a walk.

We hope the day is interesting and brings a laugh or two your way!