Courage & Kindness

Daily Gratitude Year 6- Day 124: Today, I am grateful we can have courage and be kind.

Such a short thought. Five word is all it takes to change the day. In truth, it takes courage to be kind. 

Some people, like myself, do not see ourselves as inherently brave. In fact, I am a safety girl with a backup plan... a plan B "just in case" ... in most scenarios. Why? Life can be so unexpected. Been there. Done that. Rode out the plot twist. 

There are times is to so easy to get wrapped up in my plans for the day, that I forget that some things are more important. Choices like courage and kindness, must be made intentionally. Those struggling in our path are more important than my check off list. 

We recently looked at Jesus and the Samaritan woman that he engaged in conversation. Her encounter with Jesus, His courage and kindness toward her... changed her life and changed her little village. He gave her a drink and Jesus provided her with living water. 

I find it interesting that Jesus was at the well without the disciples, at the time. Jesus had sent them to buy food. They would have surely interrupted had they been present. They were Jewish and Jews did not talk to Samaritans... especially women. This woman, who had lived a hard life full of hurt, loss and disappointments needed the hope, help and peace Jesus had to offer. 

Jesus leveled the playing field be meeting her where she was. His human body experienced thirst. For the Samaritan woman, his moment of human vulnerability, made him approachable when he spoke to her. He was thirsty. He was courageous. He was kind. John 4 is full of richness that never seems to be squeezed dry. 

From one simple, honest encounter with Jesus, many lives were changed. Jesus was setting the stage for changes to come. The walls between Jew and non-Jew were coming down, one convert at a time. The ones who recognized, claimed and followed the Messiah would be the redeemed of the Lord. 

Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.”  So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. -John 4:39-40

Sometimes... one day in a passage is not enough. There is always more to learn. Jesus modeled the courage to be kind and we have seen the power it holds. Life changing power.

Have a fearless Friday.  

Today, I am grateful we can have the courage to be kind.