"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32. (NKJV).
The second week of June our family loaded in our Volkswagen van and headed for Boston. Sightseeing along the way, we arrived at our campground. Tomorrow would be our first day in the city.
“Hey Lady. Want to buy some roses?” Absolutely. Who could pass up roses?
“How much?” At the price, my husband shook his head, turned to leave.
“How about $10?” Another head shake.
“I’ll throw in another dozen. Since your wife looks disappointed, I’ll throw in two dozen glads.”
“You really want these?” I nodded. He paid the guy. “Come on. Let's find a restaurant before the concert. I followed, my arms loaded with flowers. At an Italian restaurant, the hostess looked over our group of seven, said she was unable to accommodate us.
“Would you like a rose?” She smiled, accepted it, inhaled the sweet scent.
“Follow me,” she said, picking up menus.
Our seats in the back row at the concert provided a perfect spot to store my flowers. After the wonderful performance with John Williams conducting, we returned to our camper.
Flowers shared freely brought smiles. As we neared a toll booth on our way home, I leaned over, said to the unhappy toll booth lady, “Would you like some roses?” She beamed, tears in her eyes.
“No one has ever given me roses.” She waved as we drove away.
“Hello.” At a rest area, a couple froze mid-argument, glared. “A gift for you.” I offered the rest of the roses and glads.
“Thank you.” She looked at the gentleman. “Aren’t they beautiful?” He smiled, patted her arm.
Beep. Beep! The lady grinned and waved with her bouquet of flowers as their car zipped by.
Who would’ve thought the power of a few dozen roses and glads could bring such joy. Not only from the ones receiving them—but to my family and me as we traveled.
Kingdom Thinking. In this world filled with mistrust and disillusionment, a word of kindness is like a cool drink of water on a hot summer day. Our Lord Jesus promises to love me and never leave me. He offers me kindness. He offers the same to you. Won't you accept Him?