On The Outskirts

On the Outskirts

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Standing behind a table decorated with rows of silver gift bags, I chatted with other workers as we greeted a stream of parents entering the building, directing them to the festivities. Inside the gym, the prom for students with special needs was in full swing, with students dancing and laughing as music blared from overhead speakers.

The lobby, on the other hand, was a cool, quiet oasis. My husband asked me later, “Didn’t you feel like you missed out, not being in the gym? You didn’t get to be in there with the students.”

It’s true, my interaction with our honored guests was minimal. But I’m always happiest on the outskirts, looking in. I was able to marvel at how hours of work culminated in this event, one unlike any other in the area. And I had the opportunity to chat with the parents of these sweet students, which, in my mind, is equally rewarding. These are folks who don’t always get a lot of support. They told me, with tears in their eyes, how they never thought their child would get to experience this teenage rite of passage. How blown away they were that the community had jumped on board to provide everything—dresses and tuxes, limos, food, a party—all at no cost to them. Again and again, their thank-yous were a highlight of my night.

I couldn’t help but think, This is why we do this. This is why I roped my childhood best friend into making ninety-three gift bags when she came to visit me. This is why my mom and I spent hours making centerpieces full of lollipops and gum balls. This is why I sent countless e-mails, attended meetings, and had brainstorming sessions with my coleader that left us both a little exhausted. Because at the end of the day, it was so worth it.

What you do today matters, and the kindness that you show someone else is always worth it. Whatever we do, we are to do it all for the glory of God—because when we do, our actions can resonate and ripple far beyond the moment.

—Kristin

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Find something on the outskirts that you can do, whether it’s stuffing envelopes for a charity you believe in or volunteering to decorate for an event.