When Plans Change

When Plans Change

You must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:18

My mother loves traditions. She is always the one who keeps family gatherings going every year, especially during the holidays. One year, there was a man at our church who did not have family in the area and needed assistance in meeting several needs. As the fall began, my husband and father would help by giving him rides, buying him groceries, or gathering things that he needed for his apartment.

As Thanksgiving approached, he told them one day that he did not have anyone to spend the holiday with, as his family would not be in town. When the story was relayed back to my mother and me, I watched as she took it all in, wondering how she’d respond. She simply sighed and said, “Of course invite him, no one should be alone for Thanksgiving.” I knew this was a hard thing for my mother to do, not because she is not an incredibly kind and gracious person—she is—but because change has always been a bit difficult for her, especially when it comes to family traditions. Even so, she said yes to what was uncomfortable. Thanksgiving came, and we had a wonderful time with our welcomed guest, who was so grateful to have a family to spend the holiday with.

Sometimes we are challenged in our faith and relationship with God to do things that are outside of our comfort zones or that are different from what we are accustomed to doing. But to love God means that we must grow in the grace of Jesus, and one way to do that is to offer kindness to others, even when it’s uncomfortable or a new experience for us. Don’t miss the growth that God may bring you, just like he did for my mother when she said yes to something new. You never know how God will use your kindness to change you and bless another person.

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Invite someone who may be alone this holiday season to a celebration or gathering you are attending.