"The Call to Kindness"

I went to another doctor's office today.  At the reception desk was posted a small colorful card with the word "Kindness" displayed prominently.  Clearly it was a watch word displayed as a motto for that office, a quality of life, a spirit of communication by which that treatment center intended to live.

Indeed, the woman at the desk was radiant with smiles and a verbal willness to help all who approached her.  She offered me a seat and coffee while I waited to be called by the doctor.  Someone had decided on an attitude to typify that office.  I am grateful because a word and the person smiling behind it put me at ease.

The Apostle Paul calls Jesus' people to consciously adopt such a spirit for their lives.  To the churches of Galatia, after listing the dark "acts of the sinful nature," says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control... Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."     (Galations 5: 22, 24, 25)

Sitting later at my favorite Starbucks, with a small espresso, I noticed on a bulletin board on a near wall, an arresting quotation, which said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"

Indeed.  What does the spirit of kindness call us to, if not to a life of attention to others, serving others, loving, healing, caring about, and, for, others?

All around us are people needing to be cheered, encouraged, lifted up, thanked, loved, blessed.  They are down for reasons we don't even need to know.  But, even the slightest sign of caring will encourage them and bless them on their way.

At this stage of life Molly and I are not able to make the journeys back to Africa for our healing retreats that meant so much to us for over twenty years.  But we can still help with the Pilgrim Center's retreats here at home that are helping people find forgiveness and freedom for their lives.

Even in these last days of Lent, we are privileged to be on a team helping leaders of a church in St. Paul find forgiveness and reconciliation.  What an honor, and a joy!

And of course every day, everywhere we go, we can say a word, and direct a smile toward those around us.  We are all among those "called to kindness."

Bless you as we walk the last steps with Jesus toward the cross, and the crown, which are God's work of love in the world today.