The receptionist with the sparkly blue eyes smiled wide when I came up to the counter to make my follow-up appointment. When several of the next available visits didn’t work with my schedule, I sighed in frustration and offered a weak apology. But she wasn’t irritated or impatient. “Let’s keep looking to find something that will work for you,” she said.
I felt cared for.
The baby was strapped to me in the Bjorn, one toddler was in the top of the shopping cart, and the other one squirmed in the basket with groceries piled around him. All three boys were humming at a low, nerve-grating whine, and I was spying the oatmeal on the top grocery store shelf, calculating if it was worth the climb. “You’ve got your hands full. Let me grab that for you,” said the gentleman with a scruffy beard and long reach who magically appeared.
I felt seen.
I walked into the large sanctuary where women were chatting in small clusters. I scanned the room looking for the cardstock sign with my assigned table number and made a beeline for it. Squeezing past a group of women, someone touched my shoulder from behind. “Hey, Becky!” I turned, surprised that anyone there knew my name. “I’m so glad you joined us again!” the ministry coordinator said.
I felt valued.
These snapshots of intentional kindness only lasted but a moment, but years later, they are still vibrant in my memory. Why? They weren’t lavish or extravagant. They weren’t loud or flashy or done for an audience. They were simple and small.
Kindness doesn’t have to be big to make a big impact.
That’s why I love the new Care Dare from DaySpring — they’re making it easy to be intentional about kindness. When I signed up, I got a printable download with over thirty simple ways to show people in my everyday life that I care. Easy things like, Say Hello First, Send a Card, Give a Compliment, and Thank Someone in Ministry. For the next thirty days, I’m going to join thousands of people in showing others I care. You should join me! Think of the big impact we could make.
Chances are high that those who showed me small kindness in the past wouldn’t even recall the moment. But I remember. In a busy world where people are often preoccupied with their own rushing wants, urgent agendas, and frenzied schedules, an act of compassion stands out.
Each of the individuals I mentioned had something in common — they took notice and were ready to respond. The receptionist chose to see me as an individual, not a difficulty to check off her list. The man in the store was aware enough to see my unspoken need and was happy to help. The ministry coordinator wasn’t too consumed with managing a large group and staying on schedule to take note of a newbie and make me feel welcomed.
Kindness is powerful – it sticks with you. A warm smile or gracious word has the ability to change someone’s outlook, mood, day, maybe even the trajectory of their whole life.
No doubt the Apostle Paul understood the power of caring people when he charged believers in Colossae with this command:
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 (NASB)
Every day we get to choose what we’re going to put on. To be honest, some days I unconsciously slip into the easy ways of self-focus, just like I’m pulling on yesterday’s worn jeans. They’re crumpled on the floor, and without even thinking, they’re suddenly zipped, buttoned, and covering half my body.
When I operate on wardrobe autopilot for my spirit, the same thing happens. I’m suddenly immersed in my day without recognizing that I’m covered with distraction instead of compassion. I’ve put on a me-first attitude instead of kindness, pride instead of humility, a harsh spirit instead of gentleness, and annoyance rather than patience. It isn’t a becoming look. But even more than that, these layers shroud my spiritual vision.
When we’re weighed down by these kinds of ungodly coverings, we can’t take notice, we’re not ready to respond. That’s why Paul makes it clear that we have to be intentional about what we put on.
But take note of this, friends:
It’s not only important what we put on every day, but why. Before jumping to the desired action, Paul camps out on our divine identity. We are daughters of the King! Chosen and loved by God, holy in His sight.
We love, because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19 (NASB)
That is our why, and because of that we want to join with DaySpring in kicking off the #DaySpringCareDare!
Sign up for the dare, and for the next 30 days, DaySpring will send you simple ways to encourage one another and show you care. Each weekly email will include a new theme, new Bible verse to focus on, and daily challenges to help you live your faith.
Let’s be women who live eyes wide open for opportunities to put on the love of Christ and be ready to share it with others!
Becky,
I’m signed up! So true that what we see as a simple act of kindness, might come at a time when the receiver is going through a really hard time and the simple act may be life changing. Today, I’ve gathered together old towels, sheets, and blankets from neighbors and will take them to the animal shelter where my friend works. They are expecting an onslaught of animals with the pending hurricane bearing down on us. I may pick up flowers as well to bring along. She devotes herself to caring for these animals, and I know she could use a little caring for right now….much needed reminder that people need to be seen, valued, and cared for.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, what a beautiful way to show tangible care and kindness! I’m sure your thoughtfulness will be so meaningful to your friend — and her furry friends. 🙂 xx
Bev,
What a lovely gesture, please give your friend a hug for me. My prayers are with you all through the onset of this storm.
Blessings to you all,
Penny
Thanks, Penny!
Prayers greatly appreciated…
Bev xo
Thanks, Becky. I have a collection of similar memories of people reaching out in small ways that marked me with their kindness. Joining you in the challenge to “go and do likewise!”
Go and do likewise. Yes! Love that, Michele.
I am signed up! Today, I plan to plant smiles everywhere I go and speak to every person that I see.
Yah, Angela! That’s awesome. And, you’ve already started! Because your comment put a smile on my face. 🙂
Signed up … this devo was really awesome! My parting words to our 3 elementary kiddos every morning: MAKE SOMEONE SMILE TODAY!! At dinner each night, I ask them to tell me what they did to make someone smile. Now the neighbor kids are doing it, too, and I’m kinda happy with that.
Oh, that’s fantastic Jessica. I have three kids in elementary school too. I always tell them as they’re piling out the van to be kind and loving today! Think I’m going to add and make someone smile. Thanks! 🙂
I’m so happy to have signed up. Thank you for gathering us together and equipping us to go out and practice kindness.
I’ll be offering encouragement to a loved one by just being there to listen.
So glad you signed up, Jeri! And I can hardly think of a better way to show someone you care than by making time to just listen. Yes!
Thanks Becky! That was so vital to hear and knowing this group of women who posts.. we’ve all received and all shown this kindness:) I’m signed up as well and prepared for an incoming evacuated family, our friends and 3 animals with them. Been praying and living with gospel truths for years around them,and believe God will bless this time for their salvation! Pray with us for this the next scary days of hurricane Florence… Hey Bev! Great ministry for the veterinarians! I’ve donated around here to horse boarders
God bless y’all today and thanks for your prayers everyday
Sadie, praying for you as you put God’s loving kindness on display to your friends through your hospitality. xx
I echo Becky’s prayers Sadie.
Blessings to you all,
Penny
I’m signed up. Today I will love on a few elderly people during our weekly service at a local nursing home. This is so special to me to be able to pray with them and remind them they are loved!
Darlene, what a beautiful way to show God’s love! I bet the folks you get to spend time with feel so cared for by your gift of time. Enjoy!
Don’t have to go far to meet this challenge. My husband – infuriates me at times but my responses are not one of love and kindness. So I will strive to be better in my words and interactions.
Oh, Diane, no doubt it’s sometimes easier to love a stranger than the ones under our own roof. Blessings to you today as you seek to choose kindness in moments when a different response wants to flare up. xx
Yes it certainly is!
I work retail and make a point of smiling and talking to most of the customers. I realize that I may be the only human connection they have that day. I have done this for years. Now I have a following of customers who seek me out when they come in the store.
I love this! Thank you for such a wonderful reminder. Blessings!
Thanks for being here, Christie!
I signed up but haven’t received an email confirmation. Is that going to happen? I’m definitely in!
So glad you’re joining the #DaySpringCareDay, Irene! Yes, you should have received an email confirmation right away. Check your Spam folder, because depending on your email settings, it could have gone directly there. If you still can’t find it, I’d suggest signing up again. Let us know if you still have an issue!
This was great! Simple kindness goes a long way. I keep close, vivid memories of simple gestures that made my heart smile and my soul warm.
I received this invitation before going out for blood work this morning. The lab that I always go to has the most caring and kind receptionist who is very welcoming. I have always thought it about her, but today I told her and loud enough for all to hear. I know by her smile that it made her day and perhaps those who overheard will decide on an act of kindness, too.
Margie,
Thank-you so much for doing this. There was a time when my daughter needed blood, and I am so grateful not only to God for he,r but for the kindness of people like you.
Have a blessed day,
Penny
Becky,
Yes. Kind is the new classy. This world is so full of me firsts & divisiveness. We tend to get annoyed or rush around such that nothing or no one gets noticed. Matthew West has a song out “Do Something”. He talks about seeing all the trouble in the world & asking God to do something about it. God says I did. I created you. In the past people have helped me out. I remember in college (out of state) a couple adopted me. First night alone they brought me dinner. I would often eat dinners with them & even did a super bowl party with them. They made me feel cared for & loved. Beginning Thanksgiving week last year my in-laws were in & out of hospital. Turns out FIL has Stage III bladder cancer. During that time & even now I get food together for them. Making sure MIL doesn’t have to cook. I also took food to my elderly neighbor when her youngest & last living son died. I took a lot more a few weeks later as her granddaughter was leaving for a week to get married. I wanted her to have simple microwave meals to eat & cook. She has dementia & other health issues & living alone for now. Each day I try to smile & say hello to people. Constantly send texts, e-mails, or cards to people telling them I care.
Blessings 🙂
I’m trying to show patience and understanding to my son, whom I homeschool, when he is having difficulty paying attention.
Robin,
I’ve had moments like that, sometimes it’s not easy, but at least your trying.
Have a blessed day,
Penny
I love that you point out it doesn’t have to be big to make a big impact! Thank you, Becky.
I signed p. I will make an attempt to treat others as I WANT TO BE TREATED.
Becky,
Thank-you for your post…….I also appreciate the kind and meaningful gestures that you mentioned and they have a way of sticking with me. Yesterday my Aunt called and thanked me *again* for the t-towels I sent last Christmas. Coincidentally I was washing dishes while thinking of calling her. Not only was it 9/11, but it was also the 8th anniversary of my Mother’s Service. As I go through the day acts of kindness begin at home and then I try to go from there.
Have a blessed day all,
Penny
Penny, such a sweet gift when you’re thinking of someone and that someone is thinking of you. It’s like a God wink, saying, I see you. Much love and hugs as you remember your mother. xx
I have been so excited awaiting this! I know I shouldn’t have to be dared to care but sometimes I get so caught up in my own like that I forget to show kindness and care to others. Rushing by and not taking the time to be sure someone feels valued, seen, cared for. So this is helping me to be more intentional with TAKING the time. I always get told how my hugs speak agape from all age groups specially the elders. I stopped giving hugs as much as I use to and I don’t even know why, but tonight at Midweek I am going to embrace as many people as I can with my hugs again. Didn’t even realize that I started last night in the grocery store. I saw a sister who attends the same Church as I and we embraced in the middle of Food Lion last night. There was a 77 year older woman coming toward us who I made eye contact with as we moved along. I ended up in line behind the 77 year old woman later. She turned around and said to me, “I am a little jealous that I didn’t get one of those hugs from you.” I said, “oh I apologize, you definitely can get a hug, I love giving them out,” as we both went towards one another for a huge embrace. She whispered in my ear, “it’s good to know you my Sister in Christ!” I never mentioned my relationship with Christ as I didn’t know her and she didn’t know me. My eyes filled when she said it, she then said, “I know, we can tell.” Followed by “that was a good hug.” It made my night! As she replayed what had just happened with the cashier. ☺️
Sharnta! That’s the best story! Now, I’m wishing I could run into you at the grocery store for a hug. What a simple, beautiful, soul-filling gift. Kindness doesn’t have to cost us more than our willingness to pay attention to those around us and extend a little warmth and affection. I just love this. Blessings to you as you bless others through the Care Dare! xx
I remember fumbling for a credit card and the lady saying, ” Take your time. ” I have had to learn slow down.