Tag: help others

Let them Unload

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Listening is an act of kindness.

Acts of kindness are sometimes intentional. I really have to stop and think, “What can I do today to extend kindness?” Who knew it takes thought!? 😂

I was running errands yesterday, and felt led to stop by the pizza place. I knew Boss man would be there alone preparing for another day of business, but I also knew, he’s had a rough week.

I walked in and found him sitting at a table, so I sat down beside him, touched his arm and asked, “How’s your heartbeat? Unload your week?”

That’s all it took for the floodgates to open.

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I just sat and listened.

I didn’t offer my opinion or any advice. I gently touched his arm when he shared something painful, just to reassure him of my presence.

Twenty minutes later, he was unburdened. He began laughing and joking with me as he walked into the kitchen to start lunch. He was a little more free to enjoy his day.

As I was leaving he thanked me for stopping by, but I didn’t really feel like I did anything. All I did was listen, but that’s all he needed. Let them unload.

How God Works

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My daughter is coming home today! She has been gone for a week. Her father took her to Denver, CO to see snow. I believe she saw some, and I’m sure she had fun, but she will be glad to be home.

I’ve been listening to Ed Sheeran’s new album, Divide, the entire time she’s been gone. It’s been a healing experience for me, and very nourishing. Letting the album play has created a more peaceful space for her to walk into. Not that is wasn’t peaceful before, but now it’s more so.

I will run the vacuum, and go to the grocery store before she gets here. What used to be mundane chores, I look forward to them today. It’s the people I will meet while out doing what needs to be done. Stopping by a couple of my favorite shops along the way, maybe buying a candle, or some flowers, and spending time with the people that run the shops.

God has used me in the craziest instances while I’m out and about. Once, on my way out of the grocery store, I spotted a lady in front of me. She had a cart full of groceries, and was trying to safely maneuver it to her car, while talking on the phone. She sounded rather stressed, and said to the person on the phone, “I forgot Ziploc bags!”

I rarely buy Ziploc bags, but that day, I had bought two boxes. I pulled my cart along beside hers, and handed her a box of mine. She almost dropped her phone!

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That is how God works, if we are attentive to our path and who He places in front of us.

My to-do list today, looks much different from years ago. I don’t have things that ‘need’ to be done, or ‘have’ to be completed. I ‘want’ to run the vacuum. It brings me great joy when my daughter walks in and says, “Gosh! The house smells so good!” Candles…lots of candles.

I’m going to one of my favorite shops for a candle. My friend is part owner of the shop, and has limited time. She’s trying to run her life, and help a friend through breast cancer. Her friend just had a double mastectomy!

People need replenishing. John 14:4 says, “But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

Spending quiet time with God replenishes me. I have time, and my friend doesn’t. She may not have time to sit at the well, but I can bring her a drink from it.