Teach Me to Pass it On, Lord!

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. (Psalm 143:10 NLT)

TEACH ME TO PASS IT ON WHEN OVERWHELMED

It had been a challenging morning. My kids weren’t being particularly kind to one another. Two were arguing, two were complaining, one wanted the one shirt I’d just thrown into the washer, and I was suddenly overwhelmed by the tasks on my day’s “to-do” list.

Amid this chaos, I noticed the mail carrier in our court. I grabbed my jacket before my kids could beat me to the door and stepped into the cool autumn air. Closing the door behind me, I thanked God for a few quiet moments alone and greeted our long-time mail carrier as she smiled and handed me a stack of envelopes.

TEACH ME TO PASS IT ON: A THANKFUL HEART

I could feel my shoulders relax as I leafed through the envelopes. A flash of pink caught my eye, and I pulled the small envelope out of the stack. I didn’t recognize the name or return address, so I opened it and read, “Your writings have hit home and moved me more than you could imagine.”

Sitting on the front porch, I reread those words and thanked God. I tipped my head back and leaned onto the post, letting the late September sun spill across my face.

TEACH ME TO PASS IT ON: A CHEERFUL LOOK

Proverbs 15:30 gently floated to mind: “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.”

A cheerful look … “Yes, Lord, our mail carrier’s smile. Thank you.”

Good news … “Ah, the kindness of a stranger’s words tucked into a pink envelope. Oh, Lord, I’ve done so little to encourage my kids this morning. I haven’t smiled or laughed or spoken a kind word. Instead, I’ve reacted, letting their attitudes infect my own, and I’ve grown more impatient by the hour.”

TEACH ME TO PASS IT ON: A LITTLE BIT OF GOD’S JOY

Humbled and encouraged, I realized that like leaven, just a little bit of God’s joy makes a big difference in a day.

“Lord,” I prayed, “Thank you for the wonder of a bright pink envelope. Teach me kindness when I struggle with impatience and peace when I’m overwhelmed by “to-dos.” Remind me to release my grip when I’m striving for control and to extend compassion in the midst of pain. Show me how to love when I feel least loving and to be a blessing to those around me. Teach me how to Pass It On, Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Questions For Reflection

1. When have you experienced the unexpected kindness of a stranger
2. When have you extended unexpected kindness? How did you feel? What did you experience?
3. How could you extend intentional kindness today? Where can you #PassItOn
4. Need a few ideas to get you started? Check out:

• • Creative Ways to Serve
  • Friend-Raising
  • Intentional Kindness→#PassItOn
  • #PenToPaper
  • Prayer Shawls