Christian Living

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I walked out of the "Grand Opening” of a furniture store to be handed a balloon filled with helium. It made me smile. With no money in my purse, I was feeling a little down. I had driven to the strip mall to get out of the house. I thought some window shopping would improve my mood. The shopping didn't do much, but the kindness of being given a free gift and a smile helped tremendously. There is something about the buoyancy of a balloon that lifts my spirits. I suppose it's the child in me.

As I crossed the parking lot, a young boy squealed with delight. He couldn't have been older than four. "Look mommy! A Balloon!" He exclaimed with delight. It warmed my heart to see the joy on his face. So, as a random act of kindness, I walked over and tied the balloon loosely around his wrists. His tiny hand floated with the tension of his new gift. His face could not contain the happiness I shared with him. As I looked up, his mother began to smile and thanked me for the gift to her little boy. "You're welcome! Have a good day." As I responded to her, I noticed that the happiness I felt when I received the balloon didn't fade away when I gave it to the joyous little boy. It didn't diminish as he walked away, bouncing with pride and enjoying the balloon tied to his arm. My entire existence; felt lighter. His happiness spilled over into my heart. The child's joy had spilled over to his mother's heart. As we parted ways, the three of us were happier than when we arrived.

That balloon didn't cost me a thing, yet it had created a smile in three different human beings in the space of less than a minute. I would go so far as to assume that the clerk that gave the balloon was uplifted when she saw the smile the balloon gave me. Oh! There are four smiles in the world. I don't know for sure, but let's just imagine, that someone across the parking lot saw this exchange of kindness and it provided a little encouragement. Suddenly, a person not related to the direct display of kindness is affected. There is a spark of hope...the world is not such a bad place. Wow! That's five smiles, or maybe more....imagine that! All ignited from one free balloon.

My salvation was a gift, boldly given. Jesus walked across time to hand me a present that could cause my spirit to soar like a child. If I choose, I can walk with joy and enjoy my gift. Of course, the cross was so much more than a mere kind gesture; no doubt. But I just suppose, like that balloon, the people that encounter my kindness and joy could benefit from my blessing. Curiously, I have of been delivered from a curse. Perhaps my friends or a stranger need to know the joy and peace I possess. I just want to share my good fortune! I can’t contain my happiness. I am saved by complete and beautiful sacrifice...an act of kindness for my behalf. I pray there was someone watching from afar. I certainly would share it with a child. Perhaps his mother would be affected. There is a chance, a father may be encouraged. I know Jesus is uplifted, every time I share my gift.

As we walk the earth, random acts of kindness reveal the face of Jesus. When two or more assemble, He is there. I would like Him to find me sharing. Sharing what makes me smile, sharing my gifts, sharing my joy and always sharing my love.

If ever we have an opportunity to meet, may He find us sharing the goodness of God.

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