Acts of Kindness
As woodturners and woodworkers, we have been given the ability to create lovely and sometimes valuable works from material which can be either totally free or has very little out–of–pocket costs. And, it’s something we do because it’s fun. I never get tired of seeing that sparkle in the eyes of my customers who are just getting started in our craft. When they see something that takes me just a few minutes to make right before their very eyes they stand in front of me absolutely amazed, you can see it in their eyes. You are a magician!
When possible, I give that small miracle away. It cost me very little or nothing yet has great value to the person who receives it. I know this because year after year customers tell me how they or their wife or children remember me as the one who gave them the special gift at one of the previous events.
An incredibly powerful tool in our lives is to be on the giving end rather than the receiving end. Regardless of your background, beliefs, or upbringing there is a counterintuitive principle which never fails – sowing and reaping. Although I don’t give to get I have discovered this powerful principle and employ it as often as possible each day. It is a fact that you will reap whatever you sew. If you sew friendship, you will have friends. If you sew selfishness and try to keep everything to yourself you will never reap a harvest. If you sew discord you will reap turmoil.
I would like to encourage you to try something. If there’s something that you want more of, try giving some of what you already have away. If you want more fellowship–friendship, invite someone out for over for a meal or perhaps just coffee. If you want to be a better bowl turner, offer to teach someone to turn a bowl. If you want to live in a better community, sign up to volunteer for a few hours. That’s just how it works folks. The very first thing we do (after prayer) when we want to introduce a new product, is to give a bunch of that product away (sewing).
As often as possible when I see the service person in uniform I thank them for their service. On many occasions I’ve paid for a police officer’s meal especially in light of the current pressures they face. Those are almost always anonymous. On one rather embarrassing occasion the officer came over and thanked me for picking up his tab. I was very surprised as he wasn’t supposed to know that it was me who paid. He said “I’m a cop, we can tell.” Did you know many restaurants give police officers a 50% discount on their meals? That means my money goes twice as far in kindness. Don’t forget to tip his waitress and always remember that wherever you go there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message:
Luke 6:38 NIV
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Proverbs 18:24 KJV
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Prov 11:24 NIV
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
