“Don’t do that mom, you could hurt yourself. Here, let me do it.” Or a “Mom are you okay, how can I help you?” These are phrases that I have heard many times from both of my sons. Whether they understood why, they understood the need. How beautiful it is to reach out without question or complete understanding. Just the mere knowledge of a need, needing to be met. When my oldest was a small boy he had a little bit of money, that seemed like a lot in the hands of a small child. He was so excited to have a little for himself. Though as we began walking out of the store, there was a children’s hospital donation set up. He took the money from his small hands and gave it away. He knew that they needed it more than his want. Though he has done similar things other times; that moment stays with me. My youngest in turn, watched me cry not too long ago at an emotional part of a movie. He then started to cry. More so really because I cried. He cared about what I cared about. I cried when I got some potentially tough news the other day. Though I tried not to let him know, he heard my crying. He went to me on his doing and prayed with me for whatever it was that made me sad. I have also watched them do kind things for each other. Every time one wins or gets a prize, they make sure to get one for the other. When not enough, sometimes giving more to the other or none for themselves. I am grateful for kind and thoughtful boys. How I love watching their hearts grow for God and for others, thinking outside of themselves. I cannot wait to see the men that they will become.  We live in a selfish world. I am sad sometimes in the world that my children are growing up in. Then I watch them and I am given hope. I see glimpses of others with similar hearts and that brings me hope too. Whether we know the extent of the struggle in another’s life, we should not stop offering kindness. Maybe it is just doing something to let the other person know that you care, that you thought about them, that they are loved. In a selfish world, be selfless. Be kind. Be caring. Be loving. For a heart that gives all these things is truly living, as instructed. For those whom receive such love, can better feel the love of God. How much more beautiful would this world be if we just loved wholeheartedly, unselfishly and completely?

Erin Fitts-Brower

Matthew 25:40 NIV

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Mark 10:45 NIV

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Galatians 5:13 NIV

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another.