The Gift Of Gratitude - The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional

The Gift of Gratitude

The LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

Glancing over toward my husband, I noticed that he was crying. He is a strong man with a tender heart. It was near the end of the evening at the retreat for single moms, and as a breakout speaker talking about finances later in the weekend, he was one of the only men present in the room. As he reached over to the row ahead of us and hugged the director of the retreat, he tried to say something to her but couldn’t quite manage to choke it out amid the tears.

When I asked him about it later, he said he wanted to tell her thank you for letting him be a part of the event.

He and I both have a special place in our hearts for single moms. I wasn’t raised by one, but my husband was. His mother was a strong woman who taught him to be thoughtful and courteous, loving and respectful. As a family, we’ve invited single moms and their children to live with us for a few months while they get back on their feet. We’ve bought appliances, covered mortgage payments, and taken care of medical bills—not because of how great we are, but because of how great God is.

Seeing my husband’s tears, and knowing the heartfelt emotion behind his words, I was struck by how generosity changes the person doing the giving. When we obey God’s commands to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with him, we get to participate in his greater story for each other. Whenever I think of the things we’ve been allowed to accomplish with God’s help, the acts of kindness that we’ve had the great privilege to do, I can’t help but pray, Thank you, God, for letting us be a part of this.

—Kristin

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Spend time thanking God for the acts of kindness he has allowed you to take part in this year and the ways in which they’ve impacted the lives of others. Pray that he would continue to multiply these kindnesses.