“Little” Acts of Kindness
Ray left home at 5:45 a.m. Tuesday morning, as he does each Tuesday morning. He and other local ministers meet at Faye’s to have breakfast together. One local minister is also our county mayor. At breakfast he told the group that he said a prayer for us and other local folks during the county commission meeting on Monday night. When he led the prayer, our mail carrier, who was in attendance at the meeting, asked, “What’s going on with the Notgrass family?”
I was outside when our mail carrier delivered our mail on Tuesday afternoon.
When he saw me, he slowed and then stopped. He reached his hand out the window and with deep sincerity offered his condolences. I took his hand and expressed my gratitude.
Ray went to a meeting at Helen’s Restaurant on Wednesday. When he walked in the door, the owner said, “I’m so sorry. Do you need anything?” with an expression of deep concern.
We have so appreciated every expression of condolence since Mother when home to her heavenly Father on Sunday. It is so easy to make a difference in someone’s life. Jesus said:
For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink
because of your name as followers of Christ,
truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.
Mark 9:41
A cup of water seems like a very small thing. A hand extended out a window and a few words of compassion take little physical effort. But “little” acts of kindness honor God and make a huge impact in people’s lives. Thank you for all the words of comfort you have given to me, especially this week. I don’t believe there actually are little acts of kindness. When those acts of kindness come from our hearts, they make a big difference.
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father,
who has loved us and given us eternal comfort
and good hope by grace,
comfort and strengthen your hearts
in every good work and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Having lost my father four years ago, I know how painful it is to lose a parent, and I suspect losing a mother is even more difficult. I hope you are comforted by the memories you have of her and the knowledge of what a loyal and devoted daughter you have been. (And, of course, by the knowledge that she is with Jesus.)
I’m terribly sorry for your loss. However, it’s such a blessing to hear that you and your family have been supported and prayed for. I too will pray. May God walk you through this with the comfort which only comes from Him.
You and your family continue in my prayers, Charlene. Thank you for continuing to post, even when it would be understandable to pause for a bit. I like “hearing your voice!”:-)
Praying for you and your family as you both grieve and celebrate your sweet mother.