Never Miss an Opportunity to Be Kind, Fueled by Resurrection Hope
"You get what you give."
It's a saying we've all heard a hundred times, used in songs, poems and speeches. But it never hit home for me as much as it did last week as I was going through my dad's house, preparing for an estate sale. Removing the photos, sentimental items, and personal papers, I was overwhelmed by a beautiful, tangible confirmation of a life well-lived.
My dad was deeply loved, not just by our family, but by his community. I was reminded why (again) as I went through piles of saved pictures, cards and notes. There were photos from all the awkward phases my siblings and I went through, pictures of his grandkids and countless artistic masterpieces made by little hands. I found get-well cards sent to my mom when she was sick, and a distant cousin's multiple letters, complete with photos of some cross-stitch art my mom had made years ago. There were thank you notes from people who my dad had helped with their typewriters. It turns out he was also very generous with causes he believed in. There were notes from the family my parents visited weekly to take communion, a ministry they both maintained for as long as they could.
As I looked at these items—all these tiny, saved fragments of affection—the old saying echoed: "You get what you give." My parents gave so much, and they received a rich harvest of love and appreciation in return. It’s a profound lesson in generosity: every small act of kindness we give out comes back to us, often in ways we didn't even know, and for which I am so deeply grateful.
This reflection on death, loss, and legacy is timely as we approach Holy Week and the Easter season. Life is indeed fleeting; all four of those beloved individuals—my parents and the mother and son they served communion to—are now gone from this world. But their lives are a testimony to the power of giving.
The main takeaway I’m holding onto right now is simple: Don’t lose an opportunity to be kind.
Time is short. We have this one life to show the love of Christ to those around us. Let’s be generous with kindness—with our time, our words, and our forgiveness—because those small acts are what echo into eternity. The gift of the resurrection gives us such hope! This is exactly what our faith is centered on. Unlike other historical figures, Jesus rose from death never to die again, and because of this, we have assurance that our actions matter in the eternal context. This hope transforms our view of every interaction; when we serve others, we are not just performing a fleeting courtesy, but participating in the eternal kingdom that Jesus inaugurated. Even something so small as a cup of cold water given with love is preserved in the light of the empty tomb. I am so grateful for the resurrection! Because of it, we know that while this life may be brief, our acts of love are not wasted, for they are woven into the fabric of a world that will never end. And I will get to hug my parents again.
What opportunities for generous kindness are you holding onto today?