Pay It Forward By Sharing the Gift of Kindness

I often think about the ways in which we can share the gift of hospitality, especially at this time of year, with those around us.  Although we have been faced with so many uncertainties this year, I believe we all have ability to perform simple acts of kindness and “pay it forward,” as the saying goes.

A wave to a neighbor, a smile to someone you pass on your morning walk, a thank you note or card, a cup of coffee or hot chocolate with a colleague, friend or family member are heartfelt ways to share the gift of kindness. These are the characteristics of the gift of hospitality and this is the season we celebrate hospitality.

You may remember that I wrote about a close family friend, David Pratt, a local chef and owner of Brick Restaurant, last Thanksgiving. With its delicious Italian farm-to-table fare, Brick is always fresh, local and organic. David’s roots of community start with the local farms in the area.

David Pratt (left), owner of Brick Restaurant

I called David recently to order dinner and, after I placed my order, we had some time to catch up.  David, with humble glee, shared that he was thankful to God that, this year, even through the challenging times that he and many in the hospitality industry have faced, he was able to continue the tradition that he and his mother started years ago of feeding the homeless and helping the disadvantaged families and seniors in neighboring areas.  He added that he was so thankful to God and to all those who volunteered to allow for this tradition to take place once again. This year, their list of sharing the gift of kindness doubled: over 500 meals were given to those in need.

As David shared his story, I thought about this verse from the book of Hebrews in the bible:

And show hospitality to strangers, for they may be angels from God showing up as your guests. Hebrews 13:2 (TPT)

I was so blessed by David’s sharing of his continued walk in faith and by his sharing of the gift of kindness with those in need, not only during the Holiday Season, but throughout all seasons.

I was reminded that the gift of kindness is an act of love that restores and blesses one’s soul and spirit. 

Pour out even more of your love on us! Reveal more of your kindness and restore us back to you! Psalms 85:7 (TPT) 

After we finished our call, I thought about how important it is to support our local communities.  There are simple ways for us to “pay it forward and share the gift of kindness.” Order a meal from a restaurant you love nearby this week. Try a coffee from a different local coffee shop each week. Buy a gift certificate for the future, for a friend. This is our community. If you love where you live, these shops and restaurants are part of the reason why you stay, year after year. Without them, our community loses its identity.

Lord, how wonderfully you bless the righteous. Your favor wraps around each one and covers them under your canopy of kindness and joy. Psalms 5:12 (TPT)

Many in the hospitality industry have been negatively impacted by the events of 2020. And yet, these are the people who have taught us kindness and warmth and allowed us to break bread with them and share special occasions at different stages in our walks of life.  They have invited us to bring our friends and family, slow down, celebrate and enjoy. Their open doors are always a relief and a respite from the busyness of the world outside. And now, some of their doors are closed through this holiday season, and a way for us to bless them is with the gift of hospitality. So, pay it forward with a random act of kindness. Support them in whatever way you are able.  

This holiday season, remember that kindness never costs extra. You actually get your money back in ways that will surprise you.  Let your community know that you have not forgotten. Pay it forward with the Love of God through the act of kindness and hospitality.

And just as I thought I was finishing up on this post, I went to answer a knock at our front door. To my surprise, it was my neighbor with his young granddaughter to give us their wishes, a handmade card and some chocolate! What joy this season can bring!

Yahweh, you are my soul’s celebration. How could I ever forget the miracles of kindness you’ve done for me?  Psalms 103:2 (TPT)