I came back from a busy afternoon that had included several interruptions – not unusual at the church – a professor once instructed our class that ‘real ministry’ happens in the interruptions, but I digress, – I came back to clean up the dirty dishes left from the coffee and tea service I had set out for a noontime meeting and it was all cleaned up. Some kind soul, or souls, had taken it upon themselves to clean up my dirty dishes, wipe the table, put away the supplies and leave the kitchen ship-shape. There was no indication as to who it was. It was just done for me. It almost brought me to tears – not because I am that hysteric but because I was touched by the random act of kindness done to me without any thought of a thank you or a pay back.
A quote remains from the charitable works done by Princess Diana, “Carry out random acts of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” A random act of kindness comes from no where and without any sense of obligation attached. It is just goodness offered.
I am often the recipient of kindness. It is an occupational benefit that comes from working in community with people whose focus is goodness, caring and sharing. Still I am often amazed at the outreach offered by the volunteers, or disciples, as I prefer to call them, in our congregation who extend time and service in so many ways. Tonight, though not random, an important act of kindness will transpire. Soon our church kitchen will be bustling with people whipping up dinner. In the auditorium another team will be setting up tables and preparing to serve anywhere from 60 to 75 people a hot meal. By 5 o’clock the hall will be humming with conversation as people find a place at the table and enjoy eating together. This happens every week from October to April and is all done through the kindness of people who provide funding, food or service to make it happen.
A random act, or an organized act, of kindness spreads good will, meets an immediate need, creates harmony and offers up Christ’s love and care for others. When it is done with no expectation of reward it is a beautiful thing.
