Thankfulness in Action

Today I am thinking of things
I am specifically thankful for.

What’s on your list?

I have the usual stuff …
health,
home,
hubz,
happy children. 

But also electric lights and curling irons,
hot and cold running water on demand,
appliances that ease and expedite my life. 
For moms and dads and cars that start. 
For air conditioning and forced air heat. 


I’m thankful that I live in America.
I can vote,
continue my education,
and go to stores or movies
without much fear of being
blown up,
hijacked or
sold into slavery.

My life has not been without tragedy.


As a woman who has suffered loss,
I will tell you it’s the kindness of friends and strangers alike
that helped me make it through long seasons of sorrow.


Most were followers of Jesus,
but others were not. 
All of them shared my burden of grief. 
Their kindnesses helped make me well
and whole and happy again.

And I am thankful.

Kindness is a universal language.

As I reflect on Thanksgiving today,
I’m more sappy than silly. 
Thankful for all the kindness shown to me
and how it helped me,
encouraged me and
changed me.

Today, I hope you’ll join me in
speaking and doing acts of kindness
whether you feel like it or not.

It will change you,
it will change your recipient.

It will demonstrate the love of God
to a world of hurting and broken people.

Today, will you practice kindness?
Send a card.
Make a call.
Write an actual letter.
Invite someone to coffee.
Say something complimentary.
Pick up the check.
Notice a job well done and mention it.
Smile at strangers and smile at your family.
Always use please and thank you.
Listen attentively.

I’m sure there a million more that you can think of.
Exercise your creative juices and choose kindness today …
and tomorrow …
and the day after that …
and the day after that …
and the day after that.

You get the idea, right?

I am thankful for you!
Truly I am.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Scripture Refresher:  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 NIV

6 Comments

  1. EVIE Brus on November 24, 2016 at 4:49 pm

    There,s no end to what I,m grateful for!! Most of all for God,s Faithfulness!!

    • Robyn Dykstra on November 25, 2016 at 2:40 am

      I agree wholeheartedly with that, Evie.

  2. Karen Killian on November 24, 2016 at 6:22 pm

    Grace, grace, God’s grace. Grace that will pardon and cleanse within. Grace that is greater than all my sin.
    His mercy and love is,beyond my comprehension.
    His protection and healing of family members and friends
    can hardly be expressed in words. I’m thankful for the Holy Spirit that lives in me. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!!
    Karen

    • Robyn Dykstra on November 25, 2016 at 2:40 am

      Amen to that Karen.

  3. Amy on November 24, 2016 at 9:38 pm

    I am thankful for all whom have helped me thru my most troublesome times too; but mostly greatful for Jesus’s love!! If I had not know if his love since I was a child I don’t think that I would have been able to get out of that period in my life. I wouldn’t have been able to grow and mature and have meet the man I married. The LORD is truly wonderful and I am so greatful to know Him!!

    • Robyn Dykstra on November 25, 2016 at 2:39 am

      I know what you mean, Amy. Without Jesus I’d still be lost.

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