Try A Little Kindness

One Saturday night about a year ago, me and my husband of 39 years this month, were just relaxing at home.  He in his recliner watching a little TV, and me on the sofa reading a magazine.  It was so wonderful to just be home together doing nothing really.  You that are busy like we are, know exactly what I mean.

The telephone rang and it was an elderly black woman asking if I had sold a chair I had for sell on our local radion station on a program called "Switch and Swap".  I told her I had not.  She then proceeded to ask me all kinds of questions about the chair and then said she did not have a way to come look at it, because she did not have a car or drive and she depended on her son to take her everywhere.  She told me he lived in another city and the next time he came down she wanted to come look at it, if I hadn't sold it.

She continued to make small talk and to be honest I was anxious to get off the phone and back to my magazine and quiet time, when I felt a nudge by the Holy Spirit saying, talk to this lady.  She's lonely and needs someone to talk to right now.  Immediately I began to perk up and talk with this little sweet lady.  I forgot all about myself and began to focus on this lady and her needs.  I began to let love operate through me and that is exactly what we as Christians are supposed to do.  We are to let our light shine and be Jesus to others. 

We had a pleasant conversation and I actually stayed on the phone with her for probably another 20-30 minutes or so.  But I must tell you when I got off the phone with this lady I felt soooo good that I had obeyed the Lord.  Now, you might be thinking that it was not a big thing that I did and you would be right, but I am glad I placed another's needs above my own. 

You know, there have been times in my life when I would have loved just to have someone to talk with.  I have been lonely and I know you have been too and it's wonderful just to have that kind, listening ear and someone to make conversation with.

My husband asked me who I was talking to and I told him the ladies name, he said "Oh, I know her.  She used to be one of my customers.  She's a sweet little lady and in her 90's." 

A few months after our Saturday night conversation, Ms. Daisy died and I smile to think that maybe I made that one Saturday night a little less lonely for her.  Although, I suspect she had someone with her all the time. I think He's the one that said He would stick closer than a brother.

I'm thinking of the old Glen Campbell song,  "Try A Little Kindness".  Wouldn't this old world be a whole lot better if we would all show a little kindness?  It doesn't cost anymore to be kind.  Give someone a smile.  Open the door for someone.  Take time to really listen when others are talking to you.  It's called preferring our brother. 

Maybe I'll do that with my husband when he comes home in a little while.  He'll probably think, what's going on?  I hope not!