The Lord is so faithful to show us each special kindnesses unique to our lives and situations.  This week I’ve noticed several and thought I’d share them here.  

*****

This past Saturday was such a nice, slow day.  It was so warm and we all enjoyed some time outside.  The kids played – even though there’s still snow on the ground, they were comfortable in shorts.  I love our crazy weather here.  Kenny repaired the snowblower so we are ready for the winter.  I so appreciate the way he will tackle pretty much anything.  And I enjoyed some bible study and just sitting, enjoying the fresh air.  We had friends over for dinner later that night – having slow time is so crucial in filling us up with refreshment so we have the ability to give and pour out into others.  It was a beauty of a day!  

*****

We enjoyed such a great conversation with our kids on Veteran’s Day.  Kenny and I both are loving the stage the kids are in now where we can have big conversations with them.  We talked about the veterans we know – in our family and other friends.  Living in a military town creates relationship with quite a few!  We also talked about the many freedoms we have because of their service.  We compared life in the United States with other countries and the kids’s eyes grew wide as we described life for so many others around the globe.  The fact that the Lord saw fit to have us each born in this country is such a gift.  A gift we hardly think about on a day to day basis.  But one that deserves thanks continually.   Thank you to our family and friends that have contributed to the freedoms we enjoy.  

*****

I’m still plugging away and reading through the One Year Bible.  This has been such a wonderful time each day and I look forward to finishing next month and talking more about this experience later.  

*****

I had coffee with a new friend this week.  A gal I met at church who’s family is new to the area.  Leading up to that night I felt such guilt over my thoughts – “I already feel overwhelmed keeping up with the friends I have!  How do I have time to add someone new?”  But Kenny graciously reminded me that there’s plenty of love to go around.  He urged me to go, relax, and have a good time.  And you know what, this gal and I chatted so long we closed down the coffee shop.  We have much in common and I grew to love her in just a few hours.  The Lord showed me that there is blessing in choosing relationship with others.  Sacrificing our time to spend with others will always result in good.  

*****

And finally, months ago I pieced together through Facebook posts that one of the teachers I student taught with in college was diagnosed with cancer.  She influenced my life in many ways and is one of the reasons I decided to teach elementary music so many years ago.  She and I exchange Christmas cards every year and always include a little note to each other.  In recent months I’ve messaged her now and again through Facebook that I’ve been praying for her.  

Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I stumbled on an interview with her daughter that she posted.  The interview was lengthy, but so sweet and hard all at the same time.  It took me several days to finish it but I was so glad I did.  Through it I learned that her cancer was very serious but she was walking through it with grace, leaning every day on the Lord Jesus.  She talked about the gift of cancer and the many ways she has been blessed since her diagnosis.  

After listening to the interview I knew I needed to reach out to her right away.  I decided I wanted to write her a letter, telling her how she influenced my life.  Well, life got busy, weeks went by, and the letter never happened.  Then one sleepless night it came to me (thank you, Holy Spirit!) that we should just chat on the phone.  The next morning I messaged her my phone number and told her to call anytime.  Her daughter immediately called me and put her mom on speaker phone.  

She had declined considerably since the interview; her voice sounded so weak.  But we chatted for about fifteen minutes and I was able to tell her the many things I wanted to.  Afterwards I talked with her daughter briefly and discovered her mom was now on hospice and that my timing was perfect.  No one knew how many days she had left.  

I was a teary mess after that phone call.  I was already grieving my friend but also was so moved that the Lord urged me to contact her – that He cared so much to give me this gift, this kindness.  How loving our God is – all day long, if we’ll only look for the ways He’s loving us.  

UPDATE 11/15/19 – 7:39 am – I just read this morning that my beloved teacher graduated to glory overnight.  I’m so thankful she’s with her Savior now and I’m beyond grateful for the chance to say goodbye.  

*****

I see ALL of these things as gifts from the Lord – beautiful weather and a slow afternoon, a great conversation as a family, the One Year Bible, coffee with a new friend, and the timing of contacting an old friend who is sick.  What kindnesses have you noticed lately?

And, I wanted to record these events to encourage.  To encourage me down the road when I read this post.  To encourage my kids.  And to encourage you.  Who could you befriend today?  Who needs just a smile or a friendly hello?  Who needs a cup of coffee and time to talk?  Who needs a warm meal?  I pray that each of us has eyes to see not only the kindnesses from the Lord but also eyes to see how He can use us each day.