Kindness
10 06 2008Many people were inspired by the “Touching Them All” video we showed this weekend in church. What a great example of kindness in a world so desperate for people who care. The first time I watched it I was moved to look for ways to demonstrate the kindness of God in my everyday life. For those of you who missed it, want to see it again or pass it to a friend, we are posting a copy below (video originally produced by ESPN Sports).
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A friend of mine has a website (www.GiftOfKindness.com) that has this quote on it:
“Every kind act, no matter how small, is like a pebble tossed into the pond of human caring… the rings reach out far beyond the point of impact; the action of our kind deed acts more kindly toward the people around them, those people act more kindly toward the people around them, and so it goes, on and on.”
I would love to hear your stories. If you performed a random act of kindness… I would love to hear about it and be encouraged by what the Holy Spirit is doing in your life to develop the fruit of kindness. And, not to mention, what God did or is doing with your random act of kindness. Share your comments here.
Serving Him by Serving You,
-Jason Cullum, Lead Pastor
When we drive up north, or anytime we are on a toll road, we always make a point to pay for the car behind us… and most receipients will drive by and show gratitude… my hope is that they will in turn do the same thing for someone else next time… and so on, and so on…
I have been on the recieving end of a random act of kindness. I was at a fast food resteraunt when i got up to the window to pay they said the car in front of mine had already paid for me and they hoped i had a nice day. Never found out who it was but it really was one of the nicest things a stranger has done for me……
When I first entered a masters program in psychology, a professor was “pushing us” to explain why we were entering the field. “I want to help others” was my answer… one that was unacceptable to him. He was adamant that helping others could not be a sefless act; he believed that we get something out of it, and he wanted me to explore what that meant. I was extremely stubborn in my early twenties (-I guess I can still be!) and it offended me that he thought I was in it for myself. However, I have grown to understand that it is ok to feel good about helping others, and that while another’s wellfare, etc. may be what initially motivates me to perform a random act of kindness, I adore the feeling I get after doing something kind! -It could become an addiction- and what a great addiction to have! Just the other day I was driving down Old St. Augustine and passed a sweet elderly woman doing what I call the ‘Austin Powers’ move (back and forth, back and forth, etc.) in her scooter. I turned around and headed back to make sure she was ok… and met another couple who pulled up at the same time to help. She was the sweetest thing and so very appreciative! We picked up her rather awkward scooter and put it facing the right direction back on the sidewalk… and she hugged us and told us thank you. As I turned around to get back in my car, I said a prayer of thanks for her, the couple who had stopped, and for the awesome sense of satisfaction I was feeling. I guess that prying professor was right in a way… I do like to think that my acts of kindness are selfless, but I love the way I feel after helping another. I guess it was also a bit of a selfish gift… I am not the greatest driver, and I may be that ‘Austin Powers’ drivin’ old lady one day, too, and I hope someone will “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”- just like I did.
One Christsmas Eve. Day ate at Waffle House. When we got up to leave, God quicken my spirit to give the waitress a ten dollar bill. It was all the cash I had but I had such a wonderful feeling my heart was full. Another time out front Publix I saw a young girl with a little one year old. I felt I needed to ask if they had anything to eat? She said no! even at home no? So I went into the store got a few groceries and and sandwich for then to eat then. The best part it was a learning experence for this sweet 14 year old who was with me. Thank You Jesus.