Kindness

An angel walks into a bar . . .
No, it isn't a joke; it's a story. 

Just over a month ago, a couple dined at a family-owned restaurant in Euclid, Ohio.  After enjoying a nice meal and purchasing a fine wine to go, the waitress, to her stun-worthy surprise, received a $1070 tip. 

Samantha "Sam" Meyer could not believe her eyes and, therefore, asked if there was a mistake.  (I once left a $50 tip with the intent of leaving $5 - wow that now sounds cheap!)  The generous gratuity giver assured Sam that he wrote the number he intended. 

Using the "average generous" tipping percentage of 20%, Sam would have received $24.45.  One thousand forty-five dollars and fifty-five cents richer, Sam declared, "God works in mysterious ways."  She knew that the bills she struggled to pay in October were covered, even after she shared her gift with her fellow servers.  The family owners considered the patron to be an angel. 

Acts of kindness warm our hearts - even when we receive nothing other than the joy of hearing about them.  When have the acts of others blessed you?

I recall . . .

• the check that arrived in the mail when we needed to replace our boiler.
• the financial help from my parents and in-laws over the years.
• the words of encouragement from a friend during a difficult time.
• the tow out of the sand when our dip-netting trip took a turn.
• and so many more times when others blessed me and my family.

Now for another question.  When have your acts of kindness blessed others?  I hope several occasions enter your mind.  That time you . . .

• helped a neighbor.
• gave that gift with no strings attached.
• said that encouraging word.
• forgave the debt.
• carried the load.

If it has been a while since you were that mysterious way through which God blessed another, change that today.  Look for an opportunity to practice an act of kindness.  See it, do it, and then look for another.

25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:25-28 (NIV)

#ordinarylives