Kristin Demery - 100 Days of Kindness

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100 Days of Kindness

Copyright 2019 by Julie Fisk, Kendra Roehl, Kristin Demery. All rights reserved.

100 Days of Kindness is adapted from The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional (Tyndale House Publishers, 2017), ISBN 978-1-4964-2161-6.

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One year as we approached the Christmas season, we found ourselves frustrated with our kids attitudes. We were tired of seeing their mile-long wish lists written out months ahead of time, and we were drained by their complaints about not having the same toys and tech items their classmates owned. As mothers, we wanted to find a way to change their hearts from self-centered to others-centered by refocusing them on the love of God.

So we proposed an experiment: During the month of December, we would perform one kind act each day; then we would post about it on social media to encourage others to join in. Those simple acts of kindness transformed our families. What began as a parenting whim to reclaim Christmas evolved into a longer experiment in generosity.

When we started out, it was simply to push back against the materialism that seemed to be consuming our families; but the end result was more than we anticipated. After building upon this habit each day, we found that our own lives, and our thoughts toward others, had changed. Instead of being quick to judge the people we encountered, our hearts softened as we began to see the image of God reflected in the faces of those around us. We also saw our families and, more specifically, our children grow. Theyre now much more aware of the needs of those around them, and theyve grown in their passion for specific issues affecting people around the world. All of us have a newfound desire to live lives marked by intentional giving, serving, and advocating for the least of these (Matthew 25:40).

Perhaps most important, we came to realize that grace the idea on which we base our faith hinges on kindness. Jesus command to love God and love others is impossible without kindness. Kindness teaches humility, is the antithesis of selfishness and pride, and leads to matchless grace.

As we intentionally practiced kindness and put our faith into action, we saw our relationships with God flourish, and we witnessed the love of God demonstrated in tangible ways.

If youve found yourself stagnant in your faith, wondering if theres more to life than just the daily routine, or if youve been frustrated with your kids (or your own) selfish attitudes, this book will help you and your family see beyond your own four walls and into the community around you. We are delighted that you would consider joining us on this adventure. Over the next 100 days, it is our greatest hope and prayer that these daily reflections will be both an inspiration and a call to action on your own journey to find and give away the love of Jesus.

Julie, Kendra, and Kristin

Why Be Kind?

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

ROMANS 12:21, NIV

Tim and I tumbled through the door of the coffee shop on a chilly winter morning. We were at the beginning of a yearlong commitment to daily acts of kindness, and I was determined to get off to a good start.

As we looked around the shop for someone to bless, we spotted a state trooper, in full uniform, sitting at a corner table with a mug cupped between work-worn hands, visiting quietly with a woman. Lets get him a gift card, I suggested. Nodding, Tim strolled to the counter, purchased the gift card along with our drinks, and headed toward the troopers table.

Finding a seat nearby, with my heart thumping, I glanced over to see my usually unflappable husbands smile falter a bit. Eventually, he made his way over to me. Excited to hear how the conversation had gone, I was instantly deflated when Tim told me how the trooper seemed dismissive of the gift, accepting it only after some insistence. The rejection stung.

That little setback could have thrown us off track as we began our one-year experiment with kindness. It would have been easy to think, Well, if thats the way its going to be... forget it. I dont need the humiliation of a strangers rejection.

Though Ive never been one to turn down a gift card, I know Ive rejected other acts of kindness. Ive deflected compliments and refused offers of help. As uncomfortable as we felt in our moment of rejection, it forced us to ask ourselves a question: Why be kind?

As I thought about it later, I was reminded of this truth: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Our willingness to be kind shouldnt depend on how someone else will respond; rather, it should be motivated simply from knowing that God wants us to be kind. He sees our hearts, and our kindness is pleasing to him.

Kristin

Todays Act of K indness

Think of a time when you didnt thank someone for a kindness he or she extended to you. If you can, reach out and thank this person now.

Snowblown

Dont forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

HEBREWS 13:16