Life's Uncertain Voyage

In life's uncertain voyage, I will some kindness do them. ~William Shakespeare

"If there is one thing that is certain about life, it is that nothing is certain." We've all heard those words and in our hearts know them to be true. Think for a moment about your life - how one minute everything seems to be moving along splendidly, only to come crashing down the next. How health can turn to disease in one doctor's visit - how loved ones can be taken from us in an instant. While we can't be certain of what life is going to throw at us from one day to the next, we can do our best to react with kindness and love.

There are often no words that seem to fit when someone is facing a tragedy in their life. Words of comfort fall on deaf ears when all they can hear is the pain, loss and frustration that has befallen them. Instead of using just words to comfort the broken and hurting, consider Shakespeare's words and "some kindness do them."

Do you know someone who has recently lost someone they love? Instead of just bringing food (which is still a good thing, don't get me wrong), take a moment to discover a need that needs to be filled - whether it's lining up someone to mow the lawn or shovel the snow, or someone to just take the car and get it washed. Do some kindness to them.

Is someone you love just having a horrible day, week, or year? Find a way to do some kindness to them - and in doing so, you will reveal the love and compassion of God Himself! Don't be afraid to ask what you can do, what need you can meet, how your kindness can be best manifested in their life.

Prayer: Father, help me to be kind today. Help me to reach out with kindness to a world that can be cruel and unfair so much of the time. Put people in my path that need to experience some kindness, with no strings attached. Amen.