Acts of Kindness

To most of you, mowing the lawn is probably a fairly annoying but seemingly easy task to complete. But as a single parent, I have found it quite difficult. There's nothing hard about it, but the timing has to be perfect. Madalen is still too young to understand that the mower is not going to eat her, so I have to plan my lawn mows around the few times I don't have her with me. Then inevitably, God chooses to bring rain or darkness during those limited hours I have alone! Well, last night the lawn had to be mowed so I creatively pawned Madalen off on my neighbors who have several kids who were playing outside. They've always been willing to help, but it's hard to ask for help and Madalen is going through a phase of major separation anxiety, so I try to avoid those moments at all costs. After I had dropped Madalen off at the neighbor's house and began mowing a few rows of my lawn, I heard a noise that brought tears to my eyes. My neighbor had come over with his lawn mower and began mowing my lawn alongside me! We were done in no time - and just soon enough for Madalen to realize I had been gone.

I'm reminded of Robin Wood's challenge to do five acts of kindness a day. As someone who received one of these acts of kindness, I encourage you to look for those moments where you can brighten someone's day. What you end up doing for that person may seem trivial to you, but I guarantee the person on the receiving end will be blown away by your thoughtfulness. 
- Rebecca Everett