Be Kind

Life often feels like a whirlwind, pulling us in countless directions—school commitments, work deadlines, endless to-do lists. In all this busyness, simple acts of kindness can slip through the cracks. We rush from one commitment to the next, juggling goals and aspirations, and sometimes become so focused on our own journeys that we overlook opportunities to uplift others. Yet, Jesus turned this thinking upside down. He showed us that He came to earth to serve, not be served. (Matthew 20:28)

Inspired by Jesus’ example, I encouraged my family to think intentionally about serving others. I challenged each family member to come up with three specific ways they could bless someone else each day. Every morning, we would share our ideas, and every night, we’d reflect on whether we had acted on them. What might seem like a small gesture to us could mean the world to someone else.

Some of the ideas mentioned were:

-Make it a point to open and hold the door for others.

-Give up the premium parking spot for others.

-Be patient and respectful when speaking to others over the phone.

-Make it a point to be encouraging to teammates.

-Cleaning up after others.

-To pick up trash in the public restrooms.

-To let others go ahead of you in the grocery line or gas station line.

-Assist classmates when they don’t understand assignments.

-Offer your lunch or snack to someone who may not have one.

-Clean up after roommates.

Kindness is contagious; even the smallest act can start a chain reaction, inspiring others to pay it forward.

I remember my oldest, who shared that he was at volleyball practice and he went to fill his water bottle at the water fountain, but noticed another player’s bottle was empty too.  So he filled his bottle along with his own. His teammate noticed and expressed his appreciation.  At the next practice, the teammate did the same for someone else.  He paid it forward.

And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up to love and helpful deeds and noble activities. ~Hebrews 10:24

So, how can we make someone else’s life a little easier or brighter today? Begin with a simple list, but remain open to the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit—He may surprise you with new ways to serve. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, becomes a powerful demonstration of God’s love, both to others and within ourselves.