A Touching Celebration - The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional

A Touching Celebration

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

When my daughter was first placed with us as a foster child, we were told it might not be permanent. Being foster parents, we knew our role was often to care for kids in the interim while parents got the help they needed or until another family member came forward to care for the child.

Jasmine was just so different. We loved her deeply and in a different way, and we secretly hoped we’d be able to keep her in our family. When she came to us, I was working full time and then found out I was also pregnant (surprise)! My coworkers and boss were incredibly supportive of me during this time. I had many doctor’s appointments and social worker visits on my schedule, and the people I worked with did what they could to help me and support me.

Months later, when we finally got word that we would be able to adopt Jasmine, my coworkers were some of the first to celebrate with us. At the office baby shower for my soon-to-be-born son, Abram, I walked into the room, completely surprised that my coworkers had secretly turned it into a double baby shower for both Abram and Jasmine. The presents they gave us to celebrate these two children coming into our home and family were much more than just things; they represented an understanding of all of the uncertainty we had walked through the past several months in regard to whether Jasmine would get to stay in our home, and what a big deal it was to finally be able to keep Jasmine and celebrate her becoming a part of our family.

When we take the time to put ourselves in another’s shoes and understand where they are coming from or what they are experiencing, we give them the gift of kindness through our compassion and empathy. It may seem like a small thing to do, but to the recipient it can be life changing. Never underestimate what a little empathy, a carrying or sharing of another’s burdens and exemplifying Christ’s life and behavior, may mean to someone else.

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Really listen to someone, empathize with them, and offer support for their current circumstances.