An unexpected donation

It happens thousands of times a day to people all over the world. A completely common procedure. Routine. Just not to me. To me it felt like a big deal, and to be honest I felt a little unsettled. It was new. It was confusing. It was scary.

As I laid there prepped and ready to go, with all the excitement, energy and organized chaos all around. Doctors, nurses, techs, staff in and out like a pit crew changing the tires mid race. I could feel my anxiety rising. The beeps, the buzzes, the chatter and voices, just waiting for my turn to "go back", to the mysterious room where they performed mysterious things.

Then he came in. His name was Jeff. He wasn't part of my care team that day, but he worked in that same department. He knew who I was through a close friend and just wanted to pop in, introduce himself, let me know he was looking out for me that day and was around for anything I needed. He explained some things I didn't understand and put me at ease. Throughout the day, he would check on me, talk to Susan and make sure all was good. He didn't have to. He had no vested interest for his job responsibilities. No obligation to do so. He simply chose to. And that made all the difference.

"Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. 'What have I done to deserve such kindness? she asked. 'I am only a foreigner.'" (Ruth 2: 10) 

Kindness is a non-depletable asset and operates in an upside-down economy. The more of it you give away, the greater the amount in your accounts.

Boaz had no obligation to care for Ruth. A foreigner with no rights to his fields. That said, in doing so, they became the great grandparents of David and that line led straight to Jesus. One unnecessary act of kindness.

We all have an opportunity to never be forgotten. It just hinges on your desire to show up to make a difference, especially when it isn't in your job description to do so.

We do mortgages every day. It's totally normal for us, conditions, appraisals, documents, credit reports, you name it, we see it. But our customers don't. To them it's a big, scary deal. Will I get approved? Why all of this stuff? Can I really afford this? Will I hit my close date? Will my family be happy there? What does "lock in your rate" mean? Anxiety is through the roof. Will you be willing to step in like Jeff did for me, unexpectedly and put someone at ease. Spend more time than you have to. Extend more care than you're obligated. Follow up when nobody else does? Refuse to be forgotten not because that is your goal, but kindness is?

We all have an opportunity to never be forgotten. It just takes a voluntary withdrawal from your kindness account and donating it to someone who needs it. Especially when you don’t have to.