When we value simple things, hope and encouragement permeate our lives.
A while ago, my wife expressed a desire to reach out to the neighbors. She spotted a neighbor’s younger daughter carrying a baby, and brought over a baby gift and a plate of brownies. The mother of the young woman was very grateful for the unexpected gift.
When their son graduated from high school, Candace brought over a grape salad and a card.
That same day, the mother and her older daughter visited, and told us the grape salad was delicious, and a perfect dish to bring to her gender-reveal party. She requested the recipe, and invited us.
We attended and made an effort to introduce ourselves to several people. I enjoyed a moment when a little girl sat next to me wearing a pretty dress, and I told her she must be a princess to wear such a special gown. She giggled with delight, and her father smiled as he listened. By the way, as to the reveal, it’s a boy.
Whenever we see these neighbors they wave and ask us how we’re doing.
One evening we spotted another neighbor as she walked by pushing a stroller. The next day, we brought a baby gift and Candace baked a blackberry cobbler.
A few hours later, we spotted the father holding the baby in front of the house as the mother pulled into the driveway, and lingered in her car. We chose that moment to deliver our gifts. She said it was a very opportune time, as it was her first day back to work in six months, and it had been busy and difficult.
Since then, like the other neighbors, we often exchange greetings.
What’s the victory? We learned we can show kindness to our neighbors, and they appreciate the effort, which has inspired us to do more. It’s a small thing to buy a baby gift or bake some brownies. 
Kindness can feel like a warm hug at just the right moment.
If I may repeat a saying, “When we take the time to notice the simple things in life, we never lack for encouragement. We discover we are surrounded by limitless hope that’s just wearing everyday clothes.”
Colossians 3:12 says, “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;” (NASB)
- B. Phillips translation reads, “As, therefore, God’s picked representatives of the new humanity, purified and beloved of God himself, be merciful in action, kindly in heart, humble in mind. Accept life, and be most patient and tolerant with one another, always ready to forgive if you have a difference with anyone. Forgive as freely as the Lord has forgiven you. And, above everything else, be truly loving, for love is the golden chain of all the virtues.” (Col. 3:12-14, J.B. Phillips New Testament)
Sharing kindness is like tossing a stone into a pond: the ripples spread.
While it’s a work in progress, we’re grateful God is teaching us to see the everyday events around us, and step out of our comfort zone.
Small acts of kindness may not make the front-page, but they might change the world.