Happy New Year!
Well, I didn’t get my Christmas cards mailed out. Or addressed. I never even brought them up from the basement. But I certainly have enjoyed yours! I love getting all the cards, updates and pictures of the children. There were some very creative family letters this year. Psalm 68:6 says, “God sets the solitary in families” and that means a lot to a single woman at Christmas. Thank you to all of you who form my family all around the world!
When I think of the past year, the word that echoes for me is “kindness”. The world moves so fast that we sometimes leave people in the dust. Jesus says, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." (Matthew 10:42)
So many people have taught me about kindness…
 | I think of a friend who cared for me in countless ways while I was so very ill—even doing all my Christmas shopping for me. |
| I think of friends who took me to my beloved Piha in New Zealand without a complaint, despite the distance, the winding roads and the horrible weather. |
| I think of a friend who came back to find me when everyone else forgot me. You know who you are. |
| I think of a friend who went to the chef to find a dessert without alcohol (I am severely sensitive) for me and brought dark chocolate raspberry mousse (sigh) to my hotel room after my ministry sessions. |
| I think of friends who gave their time and energy to refinish my deck and paint my condo and fix a flat tire and move me and… |
| I think of friends who opened their homes to me, sharing their food and family and pets and warmth to make me feel at home while far away from my home. |
| I think of friends who decided to get back at Satan after the October robbery by replacing my indispensable laptop. |
| I think of a friend who calls me from thousands of miles away, just to say hi and make me laugh. |
| I think of a little old nun in Italy who applauded and hugged me every night when I came home to the convent. |
| I think of a person who silently slipped me a glass of cold water while I was ministering to people after a large speaking engagement. |
Kindness is a generosity of spirit that causes us to edify others through our time, energy and resources as we are intentionally mindful of others.
I want to be kind, but far too often I’m not. I blame it on being busy or tired or irritated by someone else’s shortcomings, but in reality, I am too often too self-absorbed to be patient and giving and thoughtful. Christians are not always the nicest people. Sometimes we’re more concerned about being right than being kind.
Being kind doesn’t mean enabling, or being a doormat, or disregarding the truth or ignoring wise boundaries. There’s nothing wimpy or soft or girly about being kind. It can take a lot of sacrifice and courage to extend grace to others. And extending grace = kindness.
| People are more kind when we’re rested. When I am so intent on doing the “work of the ministry” that I become a ministry machine, I am no longer serving as Jesus did. I must intentionally slow down enough to notice when someone could use a helping hand or a friendly call or a smile. |
| People are more kind when we’re secure. If I see God as my Provider and Protector, I can give to you and receive from you without any hint of control, manipulation, martyrdom, guilt, or keeping score. |
| People are more kind when we’re obedient to the command to be like Jesus. “The fruit of the Spirit is…kindness.” (Galatians 5:22) It’s not an optional choice or a personality trait; it’s a matter of obedience for someone who follows Christ. "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you". Ephesians 4:32) |
It’s God’s kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 4:2). May that repentance turn my eyes off myself to consider who might be encouraged by a gentle touch today.
Thank you to all those whose kindness and generosity and faithfulness and prayers make Psalm One Ministries possible!
In His love,
Linda