Kindness

Kindness

Each fruit of the Spirit is a gift…unwrap and grow.

Kindness...

One of my favorite fruits of the Spirit to teach my class is kindness - “doing small things for others to show love.” It’s a perfect fruit to talk about any time of the year, but in particular this season of giving. 

When I asked what kindness means to them, I heard a common theme - “someone.”

One child expressed that kindness is “when you hug someone.” I’m a hugger, so I can definitely agree. This time of distancing has brought that ever more upfront and clear. Another child shared that kindness is “playing with someone.” Knowing this child’s heart, it is about the act of including or inviting someone to join in, someone who may be feeling lonely or left out.

I love how even children instinctively understand that kindness is an action - something to be shared with others. Yes, it’s important that we’re kind to ourselves - we take care of our bodies, our minds, our spirits. In fact, my focus of this past year has been one of soul-care and the richness and benefits of this have been indescribable.

Yet, as these sweet children remind us, kindness is at its best when it is shared with others. It reminds us of how we are intended to serve one another. How we indeed are all connected in the kingdom of God, by His wonderful design.

Just as these beautiful aspens He has designed...where one tree is actually only a small part of a much larger living thing. In fact, a group of aspens is considered just one organism with the life-giving force for all of them buried deep underground in an expansive network of roots.

A beautiful aspen grows all the time - even in winter. And while it may love really moist soil, it can still survive near springs when it is dry. But, it simply cannot survive without abundant sunshine. Don’t you love how God draws parallels for us in all of His creations?

Oh friend, how I strive to be rooted in kindness - 

rooted so deep that I am connected with others

rooted so deep that I may continue to grow - even in times that are dry and barren

rooted so deep that I may continue to always face the Son that shines down on me

I pray deep roots for me - and for you.