“As ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

— Matthew 25:40

It seems people are focusing more and more on the big things in life and often overlook the small, yet significant things. Our society is going faster and faster and along the way certain things such as small favors and simple gestures of kindness are forgotten.

Even in our churches we are focusing on the next great ministry venture designated to win the lost for the Lord.

There is nothing wrong with these programs as I wrote recently of the benefits of Vacation Bible School and how it brings so many youngsters to Jesus. However what about those little acts of kindness that are a ministry all of their own? What about the people outside of the church?

The other day I observed people doing acts of kindness at one of our local stores. There was the person going into the store who stopped and held the door for an elderly lady with a full basket. It wasn’t an important act to the person holding the door, but to that sweet little lady who replied, “God bless you,” it was a significant and very helpful gesture.

In the cleaning supply aisle a lady was looking up at the top shelf and wondering how she would reach the desired item. She asked for help from another person passing by who easily reached up and took down the product before going on their way. This gesture took only a few seconds, but the smile on the recipient’s face revealed her gratitude.

A couple of weeks ago a woman quickly drove into the parking lot of a convenience store and called for someone to come help her. As she pulled a couple of bills out of her purse, a man came up to her window. She told him her blood sugar was dropping fast and asked if he would go into the store and buy a soda for her. He ran into the store and quickly emerged with the soda and her change. Once she assured him she was better, he went on his way.

More recently I had the opportunity to help a stranger at the grocery store. As I drove home I thought how insignificant it seemed to me, but how the other person thanked me for my kindness. I thought of all the times strangers helped me and this time I was blessed to help someone else who had a need.

Ministry comes in many shapes and forms such as helping others with things we consider minor. Jesus told his disciples that when we do something for a stranger we are doing it for him. Never underestimate these little gestures you do for someone. It might be minor to you but you never know how your act of kindness may be just the thing to brighten someone’s day.

Debra Whittington is a longtime resident of Tucumcari. Contact her at: dawhittington@msn.com