Dearly Beloved,
Grace and peace to you, Van Meter UMC Family!
February is the month we celebrate love, whether for spouse, family, or friends, on February 14, Valentine's Day. But did you know that February 15-21 is Random Acts of Kindness Week, and February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day?
Kindness is often equated with caring, concern for others, being generous. But true kindness is a core characteristic
of God,
"And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order
that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in
Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:6-7
God's kindness is a gift of God's Spirit.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control...." Galatians 5:22-23.
Kindness is a supernaturally
generous orientation of our hearts toward other people, even if they don't deserve it or offer us kindness in return.
Our world often feels heavy, and people walk through their days carrying invisible burdens. A small, unexpected act of kindness can be the very thing that lifts their spirits and reminds them they are not alone. Jesus was always shaking things up to show people a better way -- a way of love, grace, and radical hospitality.
What if you resolved to make ten people smile? What if you vowed to be more generous with your time and spirit?
What if every day could be a Random Acts of Kindness Day? These acts don't have to be grand. In fact, the beauty
of a random act of kindness is that it's often small, sneaky, and surprising. It could be as simple as
-- taping a dollar bill to a vending machine with a note that says, "This one's on me!",
-- paying for the coffee of the person behind you in the drive-thru,
-- leaving a sticky note with an encouraging message on a stranger's car windshield,
-- complimenting someone in the grocery store checkout line.
These are tiny interruptions, moments of grace that break through the noise of a normal day. They are whispers of hope in a world that often shouts with negativity. By choosing to be agents of unexpected kindness, we are actively refusing to conform to the way of the world. We are choosing to see our community through a lens of opportunity and joy.
Let's put our faith into action and start a ripple effect of kindness. Here's how to get started:
Brainstorm Your Mischief: Think of a few small, playful acts of kindness you can do. Leave a generous tip
for your server or hide an encouraging note in a library book. Keep it simple and fun.
Look for Opportunities: Each week, keep your eyes open. Who looks like they could use a smile? Where can
you inject a bit of unexpected joy?
Act Without Hesitation: The moment you see an opportunity, act on it! Don't overthink it. Be spontaneous.
Expect Nothing in Return: The best kindness is anonymous. Do it for the joy of giving, not for the thank you.
Jesus said, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
Let's make this a year about transforming our community, one small, mischievous act at a time, disrupting negativity with kindness and overwhelming grace. Share your acts of kindness on social media with a photo using the hashtag #RandomActsofKindness.
In Christ's great love,
Pastor Cathy Nutting