The Companion of Kindness

“I am going to get a sunburn,” was the first thought I had, as the sun swung around my girlfriend’s garden and made direct contact with my freckles.  “No wait! I have sunscreen.” I remembered and rummaged through my purse.  I threw it in my bag because an afternoon with my girlfriend Traci means sitting in the garden doing very little while drinking vats of tea.  Last time we were together, I came home 3 shades of pink.  She is perhaps the only person I know who burns more quickly than I do though she is more relaxed about it than I am. 

I stretched out in the warm and listened to the littles playing while Traci went back inside to get something or another.  Traci’s children are descended from smurfs.  They aren't blue, but the youngest two are as tiny as pixies and speak very softly.  The world of make believe was in full swing as the younger decided she was going on a trip.  She couldn't stay in town any longer because overwhelming business demands has called her elsewhere.  She placed her belongings in the back of her plastic car and invited her slightly older brother to come along.

“Do you want to come on a car ride with me?”

“A car ride now?” He asked.

“Yes. I’m going.” She replied with pride, pointing to her orange and yellow ride.

“But I can’t!!” He raised his voice, his disappointment evident on his face.  “I get car sick. I can’t go with you!”  He turned from his sister to the car, wanting to go, but clearly reluctant.  They looked at each other, saddened by the cruel turn of fate.  They sighed.  They shrugged. They stood.   

I looked on in amazement.  I hadn't expected this sudden turn of events. I doubted the car in question would be able to move at all, let alone with the speed to make one car sick.  I didn't know what to do, point out the obvious? (Kids, your car doesn't move.  The chances of experiencing motion sickness are statistically impossible.) Or let the resilience of childhood strain against the chords of make believe.  I sat, captivated, praying there would be no tears.

“You want to come over on the slide and play with me instead?” He suggested, opening the car door for his little sister. 

“Okay!” She sighed again and the tension vanished. Joy took over her cupid smile, “But I go first.” 

It was a delightful encounter.  It lasted all of about 2 minutes and I felt like I had witnessed the best part of the day.  Children can be magical. 

That evening, after putting my brood to bed, I was reflecting upon what I had witnessed.  It was such an exquisite moment, as delicate as a soap bubble.  Children’s hearts are precious and perplexing.  How many times have I squished a magical moment?  Or placed the need to get a task accomplished over the opportunity to enter into their intricate world?

It doesn't just happen with children either.  In our busy world of appointments, schedules and timetables, it is easy to forget that there are hearts behind the faces we see.  A friend who seems blue, a distracted husband, it is easy to brush aside the visible in order to complete a chore.

I was dropping children at a friend’s last month after an upsetting conversation with another parent. After exchanging bags, books and bodies, my friend reached over and lightly touched my shoulder.  “How are you doing?” she queried.  “You seem a bit upset.”  I promptly burst into tears and replied, “I’m totally fine.”  “Yes, I can see that.”  She gave me a hug as I sniffed some more.  We didn't need talk, I didn't need to unburden my soul I just needed someone to say, “I’m sorry you’re sad.”

It might seem silly, but can I remind you to be kind to others this week my friend?  Life is filled with disappointments and obstacles to overcome.  Some may be imaginary, like our little friends travel complications, but others may be very real.  Kindness and understanding go a very long way in assisting another’s journey.

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Proverbs 3:3 NLT

I’m praying for you this week,

xoxKaren