Kindness and other stuff.....

Yesterday I was the recipient of a pay it forward blessing, the car ahead of me paid for my coffee! I know what it feels like to do this for someone else but this was the first time I was on the receiving end and it felt almost as good as when I had done it for others. I remember thinking that it was not about the money but rather the feeling one gets when a stranger chooses you to display a random act of kindness to. I don't know why but it seemed like that cup of coffee was somehow so much better because it had a twist of kindness in it.

As the day went on, in trying to get prepared for the in-laws visit, I am almost certain that random act of kindness carried me through my day. I felt content all day, and it was a good thing because my mother-in-law was in her normal critical unpleasant state. I think I have told you all before, I do not do well with complaining critical
people, but yesterday patience and gentleness were my friends and her's too, she just didn't know it!

I know I am not in the minority in saying that I don't care much for my in-laws, my mother-in-law specifically, but we only have to see them a few times a year so I have learned to quietly tell myself, "it will all be over soon". I hate to be that way but after 16 years of extending the olive branch my arm is quite heavy, and perhaps I have built up more tolerance having lived with my husband for this long as they are very much alike. This is why God created me with a  double helping of a joyful disposition, He KNEW I would need it!

I get along with most people, and I think most people find me to be a fairly pleasant, but my in-laws are a different breed of people. Now if I was a highly successful business woman or held some prestigious title that would change everything. I am so thankful that my worth is not found in them, or anyone else for that matter. I am the daughter of the King of Kings, being daily molded to be more and more like my Father who is currently making preparations for me in His kingdom. If we could all see one another through the loving eyes of our Father imagine what this world would be like.

It's difficult to remember, as we engage with different people in our daily lives, to treat them as Christ would. Heck I have a hard time doing that with some of my family members. Our human nature can be so over powering sometimes, especially when our emotions get high, then it is like a dam just broke and all kinds of ugliness comes rushing out and that is never a good thing. Rather what you say or said is true anything without the filter of grace and mercy is selfish and destructive. It reminds me of that sign you see in schools that says Before you Speak - Think, but most people stop at the first one : It is true? and forget the rest - Is it Helpful, Is it Inspiring, Is it Necessary, Is it Kind?  If it is not all of the above, I am pretty sure you are suppose to keep it to yourself!

Life is a continuous cycle of daily lessons to learn,  intended to make us better and stronger people, and I am so glad that I don't have to do any of it alone and that kindness is found in some of the least expected places. Have a great day everyone!