Morning Meditation: Kindness - Story

Each morning, as the sun begins to break over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the dew-kissed grass, my neighbor Maria can be seen tending to her garden. It's not simply a patch of flowers; it's a sanctuary of color and life. But what truly captivates me isn’t just the beauty of her blossoms; it’s the kindness she pours into that space.

One day, I watched as she noticed a young boy from our neighborhood, standing hesitantly at the edge of her yard, eyes wide with wonder. Without a word, Maria knelt down, her hands muddy and her apron dusted with soil, and invited him in. Together, they planted seeds that would sprout into vibrant sunflowers, and as they worked, she shared stories about growth—both in the garden and in life. “Just like these seeds,” she said, “we need care, sunlight, and love to flourish.”

This moment reminded me of Paul’s words in Galatians 5:22-23, where he speaks of the fruits of the Spirit—kindness being one of the most beautiful. Maria's small act of kindness didn’t just nurture a garden; it cultivated a community. With each seed planted, both she and the boy grew in joy and love, reflecting the heart of Christ in their shared work.

In our own lives, may we, too, extend kindness as an invitation to others, fostering growth not only in ourselves but in our communities. As we meditate on kindness today, let us be like Maria, sowing seeds of love wherever we go, trusting that with God's help, they will bear fruit in abundance.