Simple Acts of Kindness

It is wonderful how the smallest acts of kindness can touch our hearts and lift our spirits.  A little child's hand softly touching a "booboo" reaches much deeper than the slight bump or scratch that has brought about the concern.  The thoughtful note or e-mail, letting us know that we are remembered and cared for can be much like sunshine breaking through on a cloudy day.  A friend's "here, let me...." might mean so much more than he or she realizes.  Small comforts often bring great blessing.

"How precious little deeds of love and sympathy are; how strong to bless, how easy to perform, how comfortable to recall."  ~  Louisa May Alcott ~

True Hospitality

Having just returned home from a wonderful visit with family and friends, I have been giving some thought to what it is to be on the receiving end of hospitality. It is an experience that leaves me in awe of the impact of knowing I've been welcomed with open arms and countless gestures of comfort and generosity.

The word hospitality shares the same root as hospital and hospice, and as I was researching these words, one source reminded me that in reality, hospitality has to do with care-giving and healing. That is exactly right. Through hospitality extended to me, I have been refreshed, strengthened, encouraged and renewed.  I have been welcomed into the home and heart of my family.  I have been welcomed into the home of a friend.  I have been welcomed home.

Whether it is in hosting a guest, spending time with my family, sitting down with a friend over a cup of tea, or just pausing to greet someone in passing, I want to be that person who extends hospitality in every sense of the word.  Listening, giving a hug, seeing to needs, speaking words of encouragement, letting others know they are valued and worthy of time and attention.....all these and more define hospitality as it is meant to be.

" 'Stay' is a charming word in the vocabulary of a friend." ~  Louisa May Alcott ~ 

Autumn!

There just isn't anything I don't appreciate about Autumn.  The beauty of the colors, the chill in the air, the sweaters and turtlenecks I begin to wear again, the apple and pumpkin picking, the baking, the fire pit, the quilts and comforters, even the fact that dusk comes earlier.....it is all a joy to me.  The sky appears to be a deeper blue against the brilliance of the leaves, and. although I am aware that this season is most often thought of as the ending of summer, I think of it as the colorful introduction to months of celebration.  Thanksgiving!  Christmas, following soon after!  So much to look forward to, so many new memories to make.  Like those scurrying squirrels I watch, I want to gather up all the goodness of this season and bury it deep in my heart.  Another Autumn to savor, another gift from our good Creator.

"As I ran under the arches of yellow and red leaves I sang for joy, my heart was so bright and the world so beautiful."  ~ Louisa May Alcott ~

Gentle Living

I enjoy "people-watching".  There are many opportunities to observe folks going through what are often the most routine situations.....the grocery store line, the shopping mall, the airport, a restaurant, the doctor's office.  My favorite is probably the airport.  Where are they going?  Is someone waiting anxiously to greet them?  Are they coming or going to a joyful reunion or is their heart  heavy as they travel to or from a painful experience?  My observations are often fun....parents playing with and enjoying their children, friends laughing together, large families sitting down for a meal together, folks fidgeting or trying to stay awake while waiting for their name to be called.  Sometimes, though, what I see and hear are  reminders of the harshness of this world.  Anger, inpatience, fear, negligence, tension, unkind words and actions. 

This quote from Mr. Dickens gives, in very few words, a recipe for a softer and more gentle way of going about life.  Good advice!

"Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts."
                        
                                                         ~ Charles Dickens ~

Soul Food

Quite a while ago, I read a wonderful book written by John Piper, the title of which is "The Hidden Smile of God."  If you are not familiar with it, I highly recommend it.  In his book, Piper quotes Richard Foster (also one of my favorite authors!), who, in his thought, quotes Alfred North Whitehead.  So...another triple quote!

Reading this quote reminded me of how small our world and our vision can become, especially when we are totally focused on daily duties or trials.  How essential it is to allow God to raise us up over this temporary place we inhabit....to look upward and inward and to ask Him to expand our understanding, to find that hope that does not disappoint, that is stirred up within us because it is God who pours out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us (Romans 5:5).  We can rejoice in the hope of the Glory of God (Romans 5:2b).....we can experience the fullness and richness of life on a daily basis and be strengthened and encouraged for the journey!  I want this joy, this hope, this peace.....this vision.  I imagine you do too.  I believe it is ours for the asking, because I believe it is what God intends for His children.

"Without 'an habitual vision of greatness', our soul will shrivel up and lose the capacity for beauty and mystery and transcendence."  ~ Richard Foster

The Power of Words

Having just celebrated a birthday, I have found myself on the receiving end of many expressions of loving and caring thoughts.  I've been thinking about how that affects me, of how encouraged and affirmed I have felt because of the thoughtful words of others.  I feel loved.  I feel appreciated.  I've been reminded over and over again of  wonderful experiences shared with friends and family.  I've looked back and remembered times, places and people....some remembrances have brought laughter, some tears, and many smiles.

As I was reflecting on this, a quote came to mind.  There it was in my little book, tucked away and saved for just this moment.  Another example of a small work of fiction, easy reading, containing a gem of wisdom worth remembering and applying to life.

"A person's words have the power to create, not only on paper, but in another human being." ~ From the book "Velma Still Cooks in Leeway" by Vinita Hampton Wright

In the quiet

As the week moves on, I am still ruminating over Sunday's sermon.  My pastor gave his flock much to think about, centering his message on Isaiah 30 with a focus on verse 15 where we were reminded that through the prophet God tells His people "in quietness and trust is your strength."  The end of the verse tells us that those to whom God was giving the instruction "would have none of it."

I have been taught the great benefit of a quiet time each day and yet I often find myself filling the hours with so much activity that any opportunity for silence goes unattended.  All too often I, too, am one who is having none of it, ignoring what I know to be of great value. 

I am so thankful for this nudge from God.  I do not want to miss what He has for me, or allow that gentle whisper (1 Kings; 19:12) to go unheard.  Every day offers so many wonderful things to enjoy, most of which keep us busy, active and productive.  That is very good, but I do not want to miss the very best. 

"Deepest communion is beyond words, on the other side of silence."  ~ Madelyn L'Engle