Contributed by Chaplain Tom Stearns, Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc.
What is a “random act of kindness”? A random act of kindness is a selfless act performed by a person or a group wishing to either assist or to cheer up an individual.
My wife demonstrated this one for me. It had been snowing. I was planning on shoveling the snow the next morning. About 2am, I checked to see if there was any further accumulation. What I saw was a random act of kindness. My wife had shoveled more than half our driveway. This was not a light fluffy snow. It was a wet and heavy snow.
I got up and went out and finished shoveling the driveway. Then invited her to breakfast at her favorite restaurant.
The book of Ruth shows Ruth giving kindness to Naomi. When she could have left Naomi, Ruth chose to go with Naomi. She was a comfort and encouragement to her. “16And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.” (Ruth 1:16-17)
Rahab was a harlot. However, she demonstrated a random act of kindness, by protecting the Jewish spies sent by Joshua. “And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.” (Joshua 6:25)
The Bible tells us, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” (Hebrews 10:24) and, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Today, would you do a random act of kindness for someone? You will be blessed, and so will the recipient.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain
907 715-4001
