The day is an exquisite jewel this morning. The sky, a beautifully polished piece of Persian turquoise, hangs on the golden breast of the sun. No clouds of diamonds in the sky to compete with its beauty. The morning is pleasantly cool, the earth quiet as Saturday wakes. The birds are singing their songs of thanksgiving, frolicking around the birds feeders, taking quick baths in the bird baths. I love this time of day when the world is still quiet and settled, waked slowly from the semi-darkness of a dignified dawn.

The modern world spins so fast, full of distractions and noises that take away the quiet spaces in our minds. Sometimes we have to choose to consciously focus on the things that matter in our lives, taking time to pray and give thanksgiving to God for our blessings. Ralph Waldo Emerson writes, “Let us be silent, that we may hear the whispers of the gods.” Silence gives us a connection to God and silence lets God reach out to us. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” I never feel God’s presence more than when I’m perched in the swing in the silence of a beautiful day observing the wonders of his creation.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

“An act of kindness never dies, but extends the invisible undulations of its influence over the breath of the centuries,” Father Fabre. I love this quote and the thought of one simple act of kindness toward someone who needs help turning into a wave of kindness the washes over others. Ephesians 4:32 reads, “Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” The dictionary defines kindness as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. In the Bible kindness is selfless, compassionate, and merciful.

Kindness is an option we choose when the opportunity arises. We can keep walking or we can stop and offer assistance, giving our time to someone in need. We don’t base kindness on somebody’s worthiness but God calls us to treat others as we want to be treated. I think of kindness as compassion and caring, a simple concern for others expecting nothing in return. God shows us kindness even when we don’t deserve it.

“Every small, unselfish action nudges the world into a better path. An accumulation of small acts can change the world.” ― Robin Hobb