ARK & A Listening Ear

By: Jen Kibbee

James 2:14, 17-18 (NIV)

¹⁴ What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?... ¹⁷ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. ¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

What does an Act of Random Kindness (ARK) look like? Are you like me: do you overthink what might be appreciated by someone else? 

Years ago, a family within our church lost their daughter in a car accident. They chose to celebrate her life by asking our church to participate in a day full of Acts of Random Kindness (ARK). I have to be honest, I wasn’t really looking forward to serving others. I didn’t know many people in the town we lived in, and we really preferred to keep to ourselves. I just wasn’t sure what I might do to serve others, but I certainly felt God speaking to me, urging me forward. If you know me, you know that I love others through food, so baking cookies and delivering them seemed like my best option. It was awkward as I approached the unknown, but with each delivery, I became more comfortable and encouraged by the responses I received. I had one plate of cookies remaining. As I drove past different homes, I felt God speaking to me about my last stop. I knocked on the door and the sweetest little old lady appeared. She welcomed me into her home and that was the beginning of a very special friendship. She was the most amazing woman, a strong Christian, with so much wisdom and encouragement to share. Over time, I looked forward to our visits because time seemed to stand still during our time together. It’s been years since she went to her eternal home, but I will never forget her, and I’ll be forever thankful for the ARK challenge, the opportunity and for God’s plan. The most amazing blessings are where we never expect to find them. One Act of Random Kindness changed both of our lives. What does God have planned for you through serving others?

When people see compassion and kindness actually being lived out, rather than only talked about, it carries a tremendous amount of weight.

I challenge you to at least one Act of Random Kindness each week. Make a difference in the life of someone else, and I know you will see a change in your life as well.

Tip for the Day: Be a listening ear, bake cookies, check on a neighbor!

Jen Kibbee is a partner at Codell Community Church currently serving on the Leadership Team. Jen is married to Leland and they have 1 son: LJ who is 4 years old. She works in the Phillipsburg office at Hospice and Palliative Care of Northwest Kansas.