284 – Tiny Acts of Kindness

#faithbites #fiathjourney Tiny

I was blessed to spend the day with my youngest. We did a little bit of shopping then went to McDonald’s for lunch. When we sat down to eat, there was a group of people at another table: two adults 50’s or 60s, a younger adult (30s) in a button-down with a tie and jeans, and then two little kids (1-2 years old). At first, I thought the older people were a couple meeting with their financial advisor. After a bit, it seemed that they were brother and sister and in dire straights financially. They were talking about making ends meet and what services could help them. I think the younger guy worked for social services.

They didn’t have any food or drinks, just meeting. While Alice and I were eating, the little girl (maybe 2) was waddling over to us and smiling. I looked at the lady (grandma?) and asked if she could have a fry. She said yes, then the girl took it over to the older man and he broke it in two: one for her and one for the little boy. I got up and gave them another.

As we were eating the girl was coming back and then I gave her a couple and my youngest wanted to give her some too. The older folders were so thankful for us. I sat there, glad we could help but felt guilty for not giving them more. They seemed happy and the two young kids loved their fries.

For me, it was a very tiny offering, but for them, it seemed like a great act of kindness. Do you ever wonder how a tiny act can have big impacts?

Scripture

• Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” – Luke 6:38
• Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:32
• Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. – Hebrews 13:2

Reflection

Even recalling the story to write this, I have a knot in my stomach. Happy that my daughter wanted to share her food. Happy that that family saw kindness. Sickened though that I know that family was having a rough time and I couldn’t help more. The Dad/Uncle (not sure) had joked, great, we don’t have to feed them for three days. I knew he was joking but at the same time, I wonder how tight it was for them. I pray that the Lord gives them all of his bounty.

I wonder how many times in life, our tiny acts of kindness, have a large impact. I know the Lord has given greatly, his life, and we have received greatly, salvation.

Charge

How do you help others? Have you given a tiny french fry to someone and seen results? Maybe a quarter at the grocery store? Maybe a stranger who is short of money at the gas station. We all have the power to drastically impact others lives, through a tiny act of kindness.

Lord, help me to be as generous as possible. Give me the strength to open up my plate, my wallet, and my heart to others. For those who I can’t help in your name, send another messenger.