Random Acts of Kindness

‘Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.’ Luke 6:38

Thank you to the unknown couple who selflessly bought my breakfast this morning! I woke up in a great mood, feeling blessed and joyful. After an early morning appointment, I stopped into my favorite restaurant for breakfast.

“What can I get you?” Debbie asked in a flat, bored voice.

“Good morning!” I said enthusiastically. Debbie looked a bit startled at my response.

After giving my order, I pulled out a book and sipped rich, flavorful coffee. The restaurant was quiet mid-morning. Two tables up a couple packed up their to-go boxes, walking past me without a word as they left the restaurant.

The book was awesome and breakfast was yummy. After my third cup of coffee, I asked Debbie for a box and the check.

“You don’t owe anything. The couple who left paid for your breakfast,” she replied.“

“What a blessing! I love it,” I said gratefully. Again, Debbie looked started at my response.

“Well I absolutely want to bless you as well,” I told her as I handed her a large tip. Debbie’s entire demeanor changed.

“I guess we’re all blessed today,” she said cheerfully.

How awesome it is when folks give from God’s abundant heart. I have no idea whether this couple were Christians. But I have no doubt God moved their heart to bless me this morning. While I was the recipient of their generosity today, I believe God will bless them with this same measure tomorrow.

I aspire to live a generous life, staying open and available to hear from God on how to bless others. This worldview allows me to express genuine thanks when I’m on the receiving end and excitedly look for a way to share the blessing I’ve been given. I was thankful to be able to share my heart with Debbie in a way that gave testimony to God’s goodness.

What is your story of giving and receiving?

Longing for Jesus

As I look at my life on this beautiful summer day, I'm filled with thanksgiving for the abundant blessings God has given. Some of these blessings are external, but the ones I'm most grateful for are found in my soul. I've been a Christian most all of my life, but it's only been in the last 15 years I've experienced a deep relationship with Jesus. I moved from a fear-based legalistic spiritual life to an authentic, vulnerable relational-based viewpoint. I wrote the following poem to symbolize the transformation. This poem can be the prayer of your heart as well. 

I long to look into the eyes

Of He who died for me.

To see the love that shines therein

For all eternity.

Your piercing gaze into my heart,

Will cut thru my every wall.

And I will gladly surrender to you,

My hands, my heart, my all.

Jesus, I long to touch your face,

To caress each and every line.

To feel the nail prints in your hands;

The punishment that should have been mine.

I want to wash your feet, my Lord,

With tears of joy and love.

My heart is longing to be with you

In your temple in heaven above.

Jesus, I long to hear your voice,

Into my ear you will say

The words I long to hear the most,

“Beloved, here you will stay.

Forever you will sit with me,

Forever by my side.

It was only because of my love for you

That I went to the cross and died.”

So each and every day of life I struggle

To carry my cross.

And sometimes it threatens to crush me

And I think that all is lost.

But then I raise my eyes to the sky

And pray that soon will be,

The day that I will truly look

Into the eyes of He who died for me.

By Judy Lair 1997