Have you ever had someone do something kind for you and you made a resolution to pay it forward? Well, that has been happening to me since my surgery last week. We’ve been lovingly spoiled for over a week by family and friends. I’ve been making mental notes of all the things that have been done for me so I can do some of those nice things for others when they need it. Here’s my list of kindnesses I have received and want to pass along: (in no particular order)
Phone Calls are life-giving. Conversations about what people we love are doing is such good medicine! Our kids have been good about calling and letting us know what they and our grandkids are doing. This transports us away from our own cares and carries us to happy places and makes us feel part of their lives. A friend called to share very good news about their family that she knew would really cheer me up. This isn’t to say that no one shared their burdens so we could pray. It is to say that they also shared many good, happy, and silly things that uplifted us.
Photos of animals make me smile. Our neighbor texted a photo of another neighbor’s cows with a funny story about the cows paying her a visit. Two of our kids sent us silly photos of their dogs, which never fail to put a big smile on my face. Since many of our grandkids are going through a “Don’t take my photo” stage, I have to be content with dog photos! The hilarious captions are always as much fun as the photos. A good sense of humor is a wonderful thing!
Texts– only take a few minutes, but they let us know our friends and family care.
“Do not forget to do good and to share* with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 *the Greek word carries the meaning -fellowship, a close relationship out of which comes giving.
In-person visits– this is the best of all. Having conversations face to face, feeling a kind touch, these are priceless. (FaceTime is a good substitute to bridge long distances.) This takes the most time and effort for the giver, but it’s a treasure for the recipients. Eye to eye contact, stories told with facial expressions, a touch, all bond us together and bring healing. Several lady friends from our church have visited in person at different times and their touch was so touching- ha! That sounds silly. But do you know what I mean? Loving, human touch is powerful. I know we have to consider whether the other person wants to be touched, but if you know the person appreciates affection, it’s healing to touch or hug. My Operating Room nurse held my hand while I was being put under and it was so reassuring. I’m grateful to her.
Gifts– Did you know that food prepared with a loving heart is healing? Also, I’m a firm believer in dark chocolate as medicine. Kidding, not kidding. A daughter sent us exactly the kinds of chocolate dear Husband and I like. The combination of realizing she knew us well enough to know what we liked and she cared enough to place an Amazon order made every bite special. Another daughter sent a text to her siblings who are spread out across the country, suggesting they send goodies. That daughter also sent us a little table meant to provide a surface for someone who is seated/lying on a couch. It was such a practical gift. We wouldn’t have thought to order such a thing, but once we used it, we couldn’t imagine doing without it. A daughter-in-law sent the softest, coziest shawl that I’ve been wrapped in since the day it arrived. Meals, gifts, flowers, cards, all are love in action that bring healing. They don’t necessarily cost a lot of money, but they do cost time, effort, and personal knowledge of the recipient.
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12
I hope this experience will stick with me for the rest of my life and will motivate me to do the same for others.
P.S. If I didn’t appreciate him enough before, I do now! Dear Husband has single-handedly kept the household running while taking excellent care of me.