Bittersweet Milestones - The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional

Bittersweet Milestones

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

Proverbs 17:17

Upon receiving the invitation from my friend for her son’s high school graduation, I winced.

The invitation reminded me that these years truly do fly by, and I wondered how my friend was handling the bittersweet experience of launching her child. While she has every reason to be proud and delighted by the young man she has raised, my mama heart empathized, and I leaked a tear or three on her behalf over the thought of sending her son off into the great big world.

As I picked up a card for the new graduate, I couldn’t help but also pick up a card for my friend. I got her a coffee gift card and a wonderful-smelling candle and put together a pink, frilly gift bag just for her, along with a note of encouragement and prayer as she prepares to move into a new season in her life and her marriage.

I’m discovering that many celebrations in the life of a child also contain a bittersweet sting for moms and dads as firsts are often also followed closely by lasts—and we often don’t know when the last time (last bottle, last diaper, last cuddle in your lap) is the last time.

Because of this, I try to acknowledge these moments in the lives of friends with a little note and a small gift. It lets them know that the millions of sacrifices, large and small, they have made over the years have been noticed and have mattered. Having loyal friends who stick with us is like having a brother or a sister in times of need. We all need people who see us, especially in the moments when we are smiling big while also feeling the sadness of life moving forward.

—Julie

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Is there a parent in your circle of friends who could use a little encouragement in the face of a bittersweet milestone? Surprise him or her with a handwritten note and a coffee gift card.