Little Deeds of Kindness

 
The link for this week's live-streamed service is here.

This Sunday we welcomed Pastor George Hodgson to the pulpit -- again. Pastor George has shared his time, his wisdom, and his humour with SPPC so often we think of him more as a favourite uncle than as a visiting pastor. 

His sermon on Sunday focussed on the little errors we make through life -- and the excuses we use to justify them -- that lead us away from God. An unkind word, a rude joke, a turning away from someone in need--little by little these actions separate us from God and from our neighbours. Little by little they erode the Kingdom of God on earth.

We can all relate to Pastor George's theme. 

But what if we turn it around and look at little deeds of kindness?

Twice last week strangers invited me to step ahead in the check out line as I had only one item and they had a basketful. I promise I had not made the suggestion or even looked meaningfully at their piled high grocery carts and the single package in my hands. 

As a result of those small kindnesses, we all shared a smile and a laugh. I felt connected to my community and I was inspired to give another driver a break and let them nose into traffic ahead of me. Kindness begets kindness.

I had two visits with friends over the week. With one I talked books, with another sewing. Nothing profound. Nothing to change the world, but a tiny effort that cemented and enhanced existing relationships, and brought joy into my life.

At Butchart Garden's I listened to a concert and learned that one of the instrumentalists runs a mentorship program for young musicians. What a gift she has bestowed on those youngsters -- a gift they will carry for the rest of their lives. By building up others, she creates a community of good will.

Also, at Butchart's I watched a toddler's delight as he danced with his father on the beautiful lawn. What a privileged to witness such joy -- a refreshing change from the anger so often manifested on social media. Praise God for fathers who dance with their children.

Most surprisingly, at the same concert, I chatted with a stranger, extolling the delights of gardens in Victoria, only to learn that his mother and my husband had sailed on the same immigrant ship seventy-odd years ago. Who is my neighbour? 

In the parable of the Good Samaritan as related in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus asks that question of a teacher of the Law. The answer is "the one who showed mercy." Luke 10:37 I checked various translations and found "compassion" and "kindness" as well as "mercy." But, the important line is what Jesus says next - "Go and do likewise."

Thank you Pastor George of reminding us of the awful consequences of little errors. On the other side of the coin, small acts of harmony and mercy - point the way to the awesome Kingdom. 

Little Drops of Water  

        by Julia Carney

Little drops of water,

Little grains of sand,

Make the mighty ocean

And the beauteous land.

                                                So the little moments,                                                       Humble though they be,

    Make the mighty ages,

Of eternity.

So our little errors

Lead the soul away

From the paths of virtue,

Far in sin to stray.

Little seeds of mercy

Sown by youthful hands

Grow to bless the needy

Here, and in all lands.

Little deeds of kindness

Little words of love,

Make our earth an Eden,

Like the heaven above.