A New Washer

A New Washer

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

2 Corinthians 9:7

I saw the request posted in one of the social media groups I’m in, sandwiched between prayer requests and questions about babysitters. “I have a friend who has been out of a job for over a year, and now her washer is broken,” it read. “Anybody know of someone who would be willing to donate one to her? Prayers appreciated too.”

Calling up Tim, I quietly asked him what the likelihood was that we could help. We have a “blessing budget” that we use throughout the year when situations like this arise, and I was hoping we could use some of it to purchase a new washing machine for this woman.

He agreed, and I reached out to our mutual acquaintance. She messaged me back, “Just so you know, this isn’t a friend from church. I didn’t want to mislead you.” Reading her response, I chuckled a little and told her that it didn’t matter to us that this woman didn’t attend our church. My friend was thrilled. The woman in need, an older lady, had been out of work for a while and couldn’t take another blow to her finances. A new washer, especially from a stranger, was a godsend.

I got the woman’s address from my friend, and Tim and I called up the local appliance store and had them arrange delivery for her. We found out later that even the store employees enjoyed being in on this act of kindness and delivering good news to someone who needed it, which reminded me how fulfilling it is when we give not reluctantly but cheerfully.

So often in doing acts of kindness, especially anonymous ones, the impact our actions have is impossible to measure. Yet even this small glimpse of someone else’s gratitude was a reminder of what a great privilege we have in showing God’s love to others regardless of their background or circumstances.

—Kristin

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Make some time to review your finances and see if you can create some space for a blessing budget—it doesn’t have to be a large amount. Then be on the lookout for who God might want you to bless with these funds.