When I was growing up, a grandmotherly figure shared that when we are kind, it always finds a way back to us, even if it’s not from the place where we first shared that kindness.
I have kept this thought in the back of my mind for over 30 years. While this lady is now gone, her legacy still lives on in the lives she touched.
As I was driving by my friend’s home, I saw that she was home. I decided to stop in for a little while. I was originally on my way to run an errand to the supermarket.
If you’ve read some of my financial blogs, and ways to make Christmas more meaningful, I had agreed with another friend that we were going to have a home cooked meal together instead of going out to a restaurant like we normally did. This was the day that we were to execute our Christmas meal.
As I was about to leave my friend’s home, I mentioned to her that I was going to be cooking and needed to pick up a piece of salt fish. My friend said she had a piece that she had bought and hadn’t yet used and offered it to me. After I confirmed she was sure – I accepted it. It was one of the most beautiful pieces of fish I had seen in a very long time. This was the really good stuff. I was grateful.
As I cooked, I thought how nice it would be if I could surprise the friend who had gifted me her fish with a whole Jamaican meal – and I got so happy with just the thought of being able to give back to her.
Before my other friend arrived, I carefully made a plate with all the stuff I had made and called my friend to tell her about it and told her I’d drop it off for her. There was sheer happiness when I did.
I laughed at how her kindness had blessed me, but also came right back to her, in multiples, as she now had a whole meal that she didn’t have to prepare.
Needless to say, my other friend also enjoyed the blessings.
My grandmother figure was right all those years ago. Kindness has a way of finding itself back to us, and sometimes in the least expected ways. I always want to remember these simple, yet powerful lessons to be kind.
Dear Heavenly Father, we are kind, not to get anything in return, but you see fit for kindness to return to us. You have told us that those who sow generously, will reap generously and what we give will be pressed down, shaken and given back to us. Help us to remember these lessons.