A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way

by Mary Ann Halloran

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches."
Matthew 13:31-32

This scripture speaks to me of how a little kindness can go a long way. Planting a tiny mustard seed can grow into a beautiful tree to serve others. Doing small things with great love, as Mother Teresa says, can change lives.

I recently heard a testimony of someone who shared about his horrible childhood. Horrible puts it lightly.

Anthony (name changed) visited The Lord's Ranch many years ago as a teenager. Nobody on the Ranch knew the miserable home life he had—where domestic violence, fighting, and drunkenness were the norm. While he was visiting the Ranch, someone found out that it was his birthday and made a birthday cake and banner for him as a surprise. This had a huge impact on him. This small kindness meant so much to him that he wanted to come back and share his testimony decades later.

Soon after that visit to the Lord’s Ranch, Anthony's confirmation sponsor opened his home to him, where he was able to live his later teen years in a peaceful environment with a good family. This changed his life forever, and the effect of other people's goodness lives on in his life and the lives of those he touches. Anthony loves the Lord, is a good husband and father, and holds a respectable job.

I have been pondering all this since he shared.

I wonder how many times I've missed opportunities to offer a small kindness because I didn't feel like it. How many times did that tiny seed not get planted or watered due to my selfishness? On the flip side, how many times did a kindness I do touch someone and the effect of that continues still today?

Let's not hesitate to do small kindnesses with great love. It starts in the home and continues where the Lord leads us. I believe it is something we know but need to be reminded of. At least I do.

God bless,

Mary Ann / Mother Hen