Left Out But Not Counted Out

Left Out but Not Counted Out

All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

1 Corinthians 12:27

When I was a little girl, I looked up to and admired my older sister Katrina. A born leader, Katrina drew people into her circle of friends quite naturally. So naturally, in fact, that my parents tell stories of family trips or vacations when, even as a child, Katrina would gather all the other kids in the pool for a shared game or activity. They even coined a term for these group activities: Katie’s Clubs.

My father also likes to remind me that although I was always very willing to go along with Katrina as the leader and was happy just being a part of the group, I also had a unique gift of seeing the one child who didn’t quite fit in or who couldn’t keep up with the rest of the kids. My dad says I would often notice and befriend this child, going off to play one-on-one, ensuring that no one was ever left out.

We all have the responsibility and the privilege of including others at work, at school, at church, or in our neighborhoods. It doesn’t really matter if you’re outgoing like Katrina, leading a large group, or if you’re more introverted like me, seeing the needs of just one person. God uses all of us to show his kindness and love toward others, and no one person’s role is greater or more important than another’s. We were uniquely made to fulfill individual roles, and we were also meant to complement each other as a part of Christ’s body. Don’t be afraid to step out with whatever personality style God has given you. There’s no need to wish you were more like someone else and, by doing so, inadvertently dismiss the people God asks you to bring his kindness and love to. You may just be the best person for the job.

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Choose to include someone who may be feeling left out, whether it’s as part of a large group or one-on-one.