Something I’ve noticed over the past 3.5 months on the field is undeserved generosity. I’ve taken a train ride that has led to a new friend calling hostels until he found one that would accept foreigners and then walking us there to make sure we found it and squared away the price with the owner ( and take a breath — not sure if that was technically a run-on haha anyway…). I’ve met a stranger on a mini bus that re-found me as I strolled through the aisles of the grocery store before heading home. After little conversation he told me, “Life’s too short. I want to buy your groceries.”
I’ve lost count of the people that have gotten up and prepared drinks and snacks and meals upon me barging into their home on their quiet afternoon. I’ve played cards with people that so openly welcomed me into their happy little bubble. My team was taken to thrift stores by a woman that wanted to help us get coats and boots and hats to survive the cold falls. We’ve gotten into taxis that made us pay nothing upon arriving to our destination. We’ve been given welcome gifts and thank you cards just for showing up.
No money was offered. No “intentional acts” were given to provoke kindness in return. Most times there was never really anything we could offer back besides a thank you.
We’ve been…I’ve been given so much unearned kindness. And each time…each time I’m left baffled by it. Why? Why do you want to buy my meal? Why do you want to give me a ride or lend me your coat or walk me home even though it’s in the opposite direction of where you were headed…
It’s because kindness was what we were meant to do. It’s innate. When you see a grandmother step into the room, you stand and offer your seat. That makes perfect sense. When you see a food drive, you bring canned foods. When your friend needs a ride to the airport, you offer a ride without even questioning it.
These things are logical. But it’s the illogical kindness that speaks whispers of worth and love to cold souls. It’s like drinking hot chocolate on a winter day. It feels like a warm hug.
Illogical kindness is the best form of kindness because it can only point people back to one thing. Jesus. He was kind to His bones. I want to be kind to my bones. I feel like the Father has so highlighted this to me…especially recently. I feel like He calls us to freely give “kind.”
“Bailee, your kindness is so welcome here. It belongs here. It’s needed here.”
What an invitation.
Thanks so much for reading!
PS I’m still fundraising, so if you have any spare change…I’m literally talking $1-2..anything helps!! #YourKindnessIsMostDefinitelyWelcomeHere – by “Here” I mean that orange donate button 😉 Prayer also does wonders! So thankful for my prayer warriors back home!! Thanks again for clicking on this post!
-Bailee
