“A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough. ”  ~  Galatians 5:9

My family and I have been eating a lot of hard boiled eggs lately, and one morning while I was having breakfast with Jarrod, he sprinkled salt on his egg and said, “It’s amazing how just a little sprinkle of salt enhances the flavor of food.”

Have you ever had food that is too salty? It ruins the taste. But a little salt, yeah, it’s just right!

I think this holds true for a lot of things in our lives. Too much of something can actually ruin it. Overeating can lead to health problems, excessive praise could potentially cause arrogance, too much free time could result in boredom or anxiety, or too much money (WHAT? Is there such a thing??) could lead to ideologies of privilege.

But a little bit of all of those things, we call it balance, can have incredible results!

Healthy eating leads to healthy bodies and minds, balanced praise leads to strong self-esteem, balanced rest and relaxation helps keep anxiety and other stressors at bay, and just the right amount of money? Well, anything is possible!

How many of you can remember the TV commercial from the early 1980’s by Brylcreem? “A little dab’ll do ya.” I came across this on Facebook recently (right before Jarrod commented on the salt) and the reel keeps going through my mind, only not for the hair cream. I imagine a commercial that talks about kindness—just being kind to one another.

In the background, the song “The Kindness Song”. Scenes of people walking, words pop up “All it takes is a smile.” A person opening the door to a store, words pop up, “Hold the door for someone.” Cars stopped at a red light that turns green, words pop up “Allow the car in front of you a couple of extra seconds before honking at them to move when the light turns green.”

The song ends with the words, “It can take the clouds away. It can bring the sun to play. If I make the choice to say Kindness is the way every day.” Or something like that.

But it is true. Just a little kindness, just a drop of compassion, just a wisp of love can actually change someone’s life. It doesn’t take much out of you, physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. But it is what we are called to do as followers of Jesus’ Way. To be kind to one another. To love our neighbor. To feed the hungry, offer clothes to the naked, justice to the oppressed. And it all starts with just a dab of kindness.

There is a trend going on right now where people are placing “Little Jesus” figures all over. “Everyone needs a Little Jesus.” I found one after Karsten’s graduation party on the window sill in the Fellowship Hall. It made me smile.

Jesus encompasses kindness, compassion and love, and so do we. Where do you see the need for kindness, compassion and love? Who can you offer those to on this day? Who needs a “Little Jesus?”

Always Peace, Pastor Heidi