A Little Something Extra

A Little Something Extra

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

Luke 6:38

Clicking on the link to the devotional book we were planning to read for our women’s Bible study, I paused, hand hovering over the mouse. I only needed a single copy, but I figured that someone else would come along who needed one, so I increased the order in my cart to two copies.

A few weeks later, the night of our first gathering arrived. As I busied myself setting out tea, coffee, and treats, and arranged my living and dining room chairs in a loose circle, I remembered to grab the extra copy of the book and tuck it next to mine.

Sure enough, we had just sat down and were making introductions when the woman sitting next to me admitted with a soft laugh that she hadn’t been able to get the book yet. I didn’t know much about her, only that she’d had to coordinate a ride to my house for the study but had wanted to attend despite the hassle. Snagging my extra book, I held it out to her and told her that she was welcome to keep it.

The gift, freely given, was small, yet I could tell she was touched. As her surprised eyes met mine, her quiet word of thanks was all I needed to know that I’d done the right thing in adding another book to my cart. The cost was minimal, but the reward felt sweet. Opportunities to share our excess can come in many forms, from something as small as an extra book, to a meal that we’ve doubled in size, to clothes in great condition that just don’t fit anymore.

Sometimes we don’t know what our simple act of kindness can do to ease another’s burden, struggle, or busy schedule. What extras do you have available in your own life that could help alleviate someone else’s challenges?

—Kristin

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

The next time you make a purchase, consider picking up an extra for someone else who may need it, then give the gift quietly and freely.