More from Linda Slaton Anderson

Reflecting upon my years as a church organist and recalling the kindnesses of people who helped me along the way inspired me to write this devotional. It is my hope that this simple story will remind us that even small acts of kindness can make a difference. As Mother Teresa said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

A number of years ago, after decades of serving as a church musician and as a geriatrics counselor, I retired. Retirement ushered additional years of meaningful experiences into my life, with more time for my family and friends, as well as for volunteer activities in the university town where my family and I live. Then our lives changed in an unexpected way.

In 2023, my husband, Seth, had a serious stroke, catapulting our relatively peaceful lifestyle into a regimen of doctors’ appointments, physical therapy sessions, and medical challenges. Because of his stroke, Seth, a retired professor, is no longer able to drive, and he needs more care. So being a caregiver for my husband is now the primary focus of my daily life.

Fortunately, because of my background as a geriatrics counselor, I have some insights about helpful therapies. For example, music is one of our favorite activities. Each day, I play the piano and organ, and Seth sings along. In addition to being fun, singing lowers our blood pressure and lifts our spirits. Praying and reading devotionals bring us peace. We also benefit from physical exercises and from playing games. My precious husband has been an amazingly cooperative patient—wonders never cease! I tease him about this by saying that even after nearly fifty years of marriage, he still continues to surprise me!

Neither Seth nor I would ever have chosen the challenges of being a stroke patient or a caregiver. Yet Seth’s stroke has given us more appreciation for the blessings of spending each day together, and we’re thankful for God’s abundant mercy and love. Throughout Seth’s recovery, many acts of loving kindness have been extended to us by friends and family, including by our three grown children. As was the case during my years in church music ministry, our lives are enriched immeasurably by the kindnesses of others. We have found that it’s sometimes the little things that make the biggest differences.

Has your own life been touched by the kindness of others? Would you be willing to share your experiences in the comments below? Thank you!