“God made the world for the delight of human beings—if we could see His goodness everywhere, His concern for us, His awareness of our needs: the phone call we’ve waited for, the ride we are offered, the letter in the mail, just the little things He does for us throughout the day. As we remember and notice His love for us, we just begin to fall in love with Him because He is so busy with us — you just can’t resist Him. I believe there’s no such thing as luck in life, it’s God’s love, it’s His.”  

~Mother Teresa~

Have you ever had a season in your life when you’ve been hit by one heartbreaking situation after another? A season when you wondered when the sun would again shine?

These last two years have been like that for my family, especially for my precious mom.

This difficult season began two years ago with my dad receiving a diagnosis no one ever wants to hear: Stage 4 cancer.

Though my dad had survived cancer twice before, we knew this battle would be much more difficult. And it was.

I cried many tears as I watched my dad’s body weaken from the cancer and intensive treatments. My family stood by him during his fight, and we all shared many beautiful moments with him. We watched him as he grew stronger in his faith in and love for God. He carried a peace within him that surpassed all understanding.

In the end, the cancer was too aggressive, and my dad went to be with Jesus four months later.

My mom has especially struggled with the loss of my dad, her husband of 38 years. My parents loved each other deeply. They laughed together often and greatly enjoyed each others company. They shared a special love and marriage.

My mom is a strong woman, but losing her soul mate has been the hardest trial she’s ever gone through. And if that weren’t enough to handle, she’s endured more heartache this last year with other family situations.

A Random Act of Kindness

During a recent visit with my mom, we shared a meal at a restaurant in the town where she lives. Both my mom and I were grappling with yet another round of devastating news we had received a couple days earlier. At the end of the meal, our waitress delivered the bill and said, “Your bill has been taken care by a family dining in the restaurant.”

My mom and I looked at each other and then back at the waitress, surprised and moved by this kind act. Tears filled our eyes as we pondered on the generosity given by strangers. The waitress pointed out the family, and we went over to their table and thanked them for their kind act.

As we left the restaurant, I noticed the big smile on my mom’s face and a brightness in her demeanor. That act of kindness was just what my mom needed that day to give her hope. And though it was random by the givers, I believe it was intentional and planned by God—a love letter from Him to encourage my mom during a difficult season in her life.

This Sunday—February 17th—is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Though random acts of kindness shouldn’t be limited to just one day a year, this Sunday may be a perfect day to bless someone with an act of kindness. You never know how your generosity may encourage and give hope to someone else.