A kindness is always remembered

By Peggy Weber

My mother will be gone 30 years in June. I still miss her but God's grace and the passage of time ease the grief.

Now, when I think of her it is with mostly joy and appreciation. She taught me how to cook and bake. She shared her joy of hosting a party -- and I love it too.

Yes, She passed on a deep love of her faith and I am so grateful for that. 

And I am also thankful for her wisdom. She shared it by example and by good advice. 

One of the lessons she gave me that has stayed with me is: "A kindness is always remembered."

She knew that hurts can sting and last. But she also  knew there was an incredible power in doing something something nice for someone. 

The kindness did not have to be big.

It could be offering a ride, a smile , or a cookie. No one left our house without being offered something to eat and something to bring home.

No one was left alone on a holiday. 

Three decades later I appreciate how right she was.  Because as I look back I realize  amid my initial sorrow when my mother died there was kindness. 

I was ordering some meats and salads at our local delli for the meal after the funeral. I was sad and frazzled. I had decided to just buy the meat separately instead of in prepared platters because it would be cheaper. We had just bought a new house and economy seemed wise.

The clerk knew me from the many times we had come there with my family and my parents. (They had a pot roast dinner on Saturday nights that was legendary!)

I told her about my mom and she said, "Oh honey, I will just fix up the platters for you at no cost. Come back in a little while."

I remember that kindness from 30 years ago. It was as if my mom was saying, "See, I told you the importance of being kind."

And the day of my mom's funeral, my good friend and her mom told me, "We won't go to the cemetery. We will head back to your house to start the coffee and get things organized."

Again, I appreciate that kindness to this day. 

I knew I was a mess when my mom died. However, some truly kind people helped me out.

So look around and ask yourself what little thing can you do today to help.

Maybe give a canvas grocery bag to  someone in the store who has forgotten theirs.

Maybe write a note to a friend for no special reason -- just to say hello.

Or offer to run an errand for a neighbor.

Our world will change and our church will grow when we share Christ's love. And one good way to do that is to be kind.

A kindness is always remembered.