Less Is More

Less Is More

Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Matthew 6:34

“Life is busy right now.”

“I just don’t have time.”

“I’m so stressed.”

“I wish time would slow down.”

These are all statements I’ve made at one time or another in my life. We live in a world where, if we are not careful and intentional, our days and months and years will go by with very busy schedules but very little connection with others.

I am beginning to learn that we need to clear some space in our schedules for kindness to happen. It’s not that we have to get rid of everything—we all need to work and take care of necessary daily tasks—but if we really want to prioritize connecting with and helping others, we need to be willing to clear some of the busyness away.

For example, when a young man’s car wouldn’t start in the grocery store parking lot, I offered to let him use my vehicle for a jump. Another time, some little children with the woman at the table next to mine spilled a large pitcher of water, and I quickly went to help clean up the mess. These are examples of small opportunities to act that are easy to overlook and pass up if I don’t take the time to slow down. Keeping a slow pace allows me to carve out space to show kindness to others when it’s most needed.

I regularly need the reminder not to worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. We should focus simply on today. Less worry. Less stuff. Less busyness. Somehow when we do let go of these things, we find so much more peace and love and kindness in our hearts, which we can then give out to others. What nonessential things can you remove from your schedule in the coming month? Is there anything that’s hindering your connection to God and to others that needs to be removed?

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Pray that God would give you wisdom to see what you can remove from your plate. Then keep your eyes open for opportunities to show kindness.