Genuine Kindness

   It was the blur of the holiday season . . . one of those days between Thanksgiving and Christmas when the busy day was closing out with a family game of Monopoly. One member of the family was hitting all the right properties, making money, and “going for the gold!” Two of the other players were doing fine also – but, mom? Well, Mom hit all the wrong spaces, ended up going to jail, and once she was out things didn’t turn for the better!

   Soon, all her properties were mortgaged, and she landed on someone else’s property with a hotel. It was doing her in. She counted her money and tried to make it work, but it just wasn’t working. Just as she “threw in the towel” a little voice sounded from around the corner, “Wait!”

   The youngest player of the game handed her a folded up piece of notebook paper. Unfolding the paper she found three one hundred dollar monopoly bills, and a note that read, “From a nice friend.”

    It was so unexpected and kind it actually brought tears to her eyes! In the middle of “growing up” and working on winning a game, there was a genuine kindness that still spilled over from his heart. 

   “A little child shall lead them!” While this season brings its wonder and beauty, it sometimes brings a rush and flurry that aids in forgetting the simple things. A smile at the checkout, a listening ear to the waitress, a donation at the door, a bed time story for the children, a hug for our spouse . . . genuine kindness.

   So, my prayer is . . . “God, please engrave this reminder on my heart and mind for the days to follow. May genuine kindness be a representation of You to those I encounter!”

Take it with You

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32