Kindness on Hands and Knees ~ Valerie Ronald

                                                                                          image by Pixabay

From the sanctuary of my bedroom I listened to the sounds of industrious activity beyond its walls. A lawn mower and weed trimmer ran noisily below the window, while a vacuum cleaner droned up and down the hallway, manned by dear friends of mine. If I were to go look, I would see more friends scrubbing my kitchen floor, washing my windows and cleaning my fridge.

I didn’t ask them to come and ready my house so it could be sold. These friends from my church bible study group had called a few days before telling me a cleaning bee would show up here on Saturday. All I had to do was unlock the door and they would do the rest.

I was too weak to protest. I wept in gratitude and relief, because I was unable do this overwhelming task myself, and they knew why. During the past year, a difficult divorce and a cancer diagnosis crushed me to the ground. Abandoned by an adulterous and neglectful husband, I had to sell our home so my children and I could survive. These dear people I gathered with weekly, knowing what challenges I faced, prayed for me and wept with me. Now they were here putting their faith in action, walking out the exhortation of Galatians 6:10 (NIV) ~ "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."  

Pearl, a warm and motherly older woman, ushered me into my bedroom, settling me comfortably under the quilt with a basket of books, a cup of tea and a plate of fresh-baked treats. The after-effects of ongoing chemotherapy treatments made me weak and tired. Her kind care filled my bedroom with peace, where I rested while a hive of activity whirred outside its walls.  

When I got up a few hours later, I could hardly believe the transformation of my untended house and yard. Windows and floors gleamed, newly cut grass and brightly planted flowerbeds perked up the yard, and every item on the list of needed repairs was completed. I hugged each one of my friends because I had no words to thank them for their kindness. Joy and love shone from their eyes as they hugged me back.  

I will never forget what kindness these brothers and sisters in Christ showed me on that day. It wasn’t their only ministry to our family, as they blessed us with gifts of money and food too. Now when I am made aware of others in need, I remember their smiling faces and work-stained hands. I recall them singing praise songs as they worked, and I treasure their sacrifice of time and effort, helping me in such practical ways when I desperately needed it. Because of the example shown by my faith family, I find joy and blessing in helping others as I was helped. They embodied kindness on hands and knees.

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."

- Proverbs 11:25

Valerie Ronald writes from an old roll top desk in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, with her tortoiseshell cat for a muse. A graduate of Langara College School of Journalism, she writes devotionals, fiction and inspirational prose. Her purpose in writing is to encourage others to grow in their spiritual walk.