What are you known for? When your family and friends think of you and how you show kindness, what comes to their minds? Can you make delicious homemade bread that you share? Do you drive a big pickup truck and are willing to help people move? Do you grow flowers in the summer and make bouquets? Are you really good at making others laugh or offering advice?
When I was growing up as a PK (pastor’s kid) we had an older gentleman who faithfully came to church. He was known for sharing Tootsie Rolls. He was affectionately known as Grandpa Bill though he didn’t actually have any grandkids who attended our church. Every service, he would have a pocket full of Tootsie Rolls that he would pass out to the children before we would go to Sunday school. He was a friendly, happy man and we came to expect his kindness and candy each week. I still fondly remember Grandpa Bill all these years later.
As you well know, I delight in writing… my guess is I would be known for writing cards and letters. I’ve been writing long letters and little notes since I was a girl. I still think getting things by snail mail is special and I enjoy letting people know I am thinking of them in this way. This week my brother started boot camp and I am determined to write him a bunch of letters to encourage him. I also love to send birthday and anniversary cards!
I do want to mention it is important to love others in the way they receive love. We see this brilliantly described in The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. However, we often only know someone’s primary love language if we spend a good deal of time with them. What about the others we want to show love? Show them love through your special niche of bread baking, letter writing, or whatever way you like showing kindness.
Thinking of how you can encourage others focuses your attention on those around you. It does our hearts a great deal of service to be selfless and generous. I have a hunch that the things you do well can be gifted to others (no matter the talent!). God designed you with a specific set of gifts and a certain personality. Then He called you to go out and love. So use what you’re known for to show His love to those around you.
Whether it is Tootsie Rolls, delicious homemade lattes, handwritten notes, helping people move, or babysitting for a friend, your skills can make someone’s day. So, has it come to mind? What are you known for? How can you show love?
-Kassie Joy
