Di Bassinga Diaries: Your Kindness Matters

Today's title might seem to state the obvious; you might think of course kindness matters, what's new? but there's more to this matter than just a few words. Think back to the bad days or weeks (or months) you've had; now, if you can, try and remember some of the highlights of those low times. Perhaps you've simply had a bad night of sleep and you woke up having "chosen violence," or maybe you've felt as though you just didn't matter much. However, maybe you remember someone opening a door for you, or offering you a kind compliment. This may not be something you think about often--not explicitly, at least--but, it may be time to give yourself some credit (or at least to realize that there may be dozens of people already doing so).

There are a few instances that I think of in which I was on either side of a kind act. First the receiving side: I was about 16 or 17 years old--newly licensed. One of my favorite things to do when I received my driver's license--and still something I enjoy doing when I can--was grocery shopping. I think it was just an "adult" thing to do, so I would generally be very eager to take that responsibility on for my family. On this Sunday afternoon, though, trouble struck. I didn't have any money of my own, so (as usual) I went to grab my parents' grocery card. I'll spare the details of the whole trip, but at the end of it, I owed over $200 on a card that wouldn't work; I refused to believe that I had picked up the wrong card, though, so I called home and tried to swipe that card at least 5 times before the woman in line behind me offered to pay for the whole thing. I thanked the kind lady and went on about my day, excited and grateful, but one thing I regret is never being able to pay her back (I hadn't thought to get a name or anything. She'd simply paid and let me go on my way). It was a display of unconditional kindness that I'll never forget.

On the flip-side, there have been a few instances in which people have come to me and thanked me for an act of kindness that I hadn't thought much about, but there are two similar ones in particular that really stood out to me: these is the reason for my writing this essay. One of these instances happened very recently and the other a month ago, but each case was incredibly profound to me. In neither of these situations had I done anything more than make a conscious effort to include these individuals. All that I'd had on my mind was the fact that I wanted to do what I could to make these folks feel welcomed, not for any credit, but simply because I'd been reminded of the responsibility that I felt (and feel) as a "representative" of Christ to be the "salt and light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-16). Anyway, some time passes in both cases, and (one through text and another in person) these individuals took some time to offer their appreciation for my kindness to them in moments, unbeknownst to me, that had made a huge difference for them to that point.

My telling of these tales is very vague for one reason: these responses to my kindness were not the goal. I was not in search of any praise or credit for my acts, but I'm thankful for the compliments because they reminded me of a lesson that we ought not forget: your kindness matters...and more than you may think. Whether you're led to be kind because of your relationship with God or just because it's a good thing to do or if it's just a part of your character, I'd urge you all to remember that every act of kindness is an important one (even kindness to yourself). It's tough to get such a simple thought across in a manner that truly conveys its importance, but I'd urge you this week to step out in an a manner of intentional kindness. You could do something as simple as giving an enthusiastic high-five, or opening the door for someone with a smile and some eye contact, or shooting a friend a text. It could even be a simple, genuine "how are you?" You might not change someone's whole year, but being one who can lift others up, even for just a moment, is absolutely worth it.

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Verses to Look Back On:

Proverbs 11:17

Romans 12:9-21

Romans 15:5-7

Colossians 3:12

Ephesians 4:29, 32