The Spice of Life…

Have you ever noticed how a simple compliment or act of kindness can brighten your day? In the same way, serving others whether through encouraging them or just lending them a helping hand has a way of lifting your own spirit. I read a story about a speaker/Bible study leader named Beth Moore who had an inspiring experience when she was simply willing to help another person.
Beth sat in a busy airport waiting for her flight to board. While she was waiting, she noticed a man in a wheelchair sitting close to the boarding gate. The old man was sitting alone and was wearing unmatched, disheveled clothing. He had long, tangled hair that was matted to his head. As Beth was sitting, she felt a tug at her heart. She felt led to go brush the man’s hair. She tried to shake the feeling that she should help this man. After all, what would the other waiting passengers think of her if she walked up randomly to a man and began to brush his hair? And what if this man was offended by her offer? Beth had two daughters, so she was experienced in gently untangling hair. Perhaps God had placed her on this particular flight because He knew that she could help this man. Hesitantly, Beth stood and made her way over to where the old man was sitting.
“Sir, may I please have the honor of brushing your hair?” Beth asked the old man quietly.
“Speak up please,” he said.
She repeated the question, but he still couldn’t hear her. At this point everyone sitting in the boarding area was staring at the scene. After repeating the question yet again, the old man widened his eyes at Beth.
“Yes, there is a brush in my bag,” he said.
Beth sat beside him and used the brush to gently work the tangles out of his dirty hair. As she brushed, tears began to stream down the old man’s cheeks. He explained to her that he had been sick and away from his wife for several years. He was flying to see her and wanted to look nice, but he was unable to brush his hair by himself because of his sickness. He had prayed earlier that God would somehow not let him look so unkempt when he got off of the plane.
Because Beth was willing to act with a servant-heart that day, the man’s prayer was answered. Her simple act of kindness made a difference to this gentleman.
Everyday, we are given countless opportunities to make an impact on other people’s lives. Whether it is something as simple as complimenting someone’s outfit or haircut, helping someone with their homework, writing someone an encouraging note or sitting with someone who is alone in the dining hall, you can bring a smile to someone’s face and often times this will warm and fill your own heart as well.
This week, I encourage you to invest in the people around you by demonstrating random acts of kindness. I believe that in order to make a difference in someone’s life, whether it is big or small, is the greatest thing you can accomplish with your life.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Nov 14 2003. Filed under Other. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry