I was feeling stressed out with two kids on the hip and one in the oven, so to speak. My two little ones and I were at the laundromat, and I was desperate to get home and put the kids down for naps so I could get some rest, too. My 2½-year-old had to go to the restroom, and when I came back, an old lady was slowly putting her clothes in my dryer. My spirit sunk. No other machines were available.
“Mommy, your face is red. What’s wrong?” Timmy asked. I had to make a choice quickly: I could be angry at the old woman and demand what was rightfully mine or I could be patient and kind.
I studied her taking one piece of clothing at a time from the basket and placing it into the dryer at a pace void of any kind of hurriedness. I sighed and walked over to her. “Here, let me help you,” I said, startling her.
“Thank you. My hands are stiff today–arthritis, you know.” Tears came into her eyes.
I found an empty rolling basket and placed a clean towel in it for the baby to lie down. The old lady stroked Timmy’s head as he crawled up on my lap and eventually fell asleep, too.
“Mabel” and I sat and talked through her drying cycle and then through mine. I learned about her once busy and full life that was now lonely and plagued with old-age pains and concerns.
Later I realized how big one small act of kindness, one afternoon of given-up time can mean to another of God’s precious creations. Two weeks or a year down the road did it matter that I didn’t get home that day when I wanted to? No. But, I think the Lord prompted me in an unlikely place to reach out in an unlikely way and make a difference in a lonely person’s life. I noticed when Mabel left that day, she was smiling. And, my heart gained a little more compassion and patience.
What opportunities will God give you to be His hands and feet? To reach out to someone in the smallest way to make a big difference? People are desperate for someone to show them they are cared for, which is one way we can pass on Jesus’ love to others.
Colossians 3:12-14
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”
©2009 Tammy Maseberg All Rights Reserved