That Glorious Gift of Kindness - Guest Blogger, Anita Higman

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

Oh, how I love presents. Don’t you? Little packages tucked into one’s mailbox. Or enormous presents with big bows that sit around the Christmas tree. Or unexpected gifts that arrive with a hug. I love all kinds. And tearing open the package with all that crisp decorative paper is fun too. Or lifting the pastel froufrou tissue out of the dainty gift bag. What utter joy!

          But the type of present that I enjoy even more, is a gift called kindness. It is a generous offering from someone’s heart. These kindness donors don’t have to give, but they do it anyway, even though this quieter gift might go unnoticed. They don’t seem to care about rewards or praise. Yes, it’s that guileless compassion that puts a smile in my spirit and a spring in my step.

          I have been on the receiving end of this gift many times, but one woman who stands out in my mind as a true giver of kindness without ever expecting anything in return, is Debby Hartzell. She is one of the most gracious women I’ve ever known. Debby not only knows about the scripture encouraging us to treat each other with kindness, but she lives it daily.

Our world would be a much finer place if there was less devotion to material gain and personal glory and more attention to this gentler way of life, these gifts of the heart. They are the presents that are bound to always fit and always bring delight!