“…a word in season, how good it is!” (Proverbs 15:23)
“The second year I was married, my husband opened an envelope and then looked over at me. His brow was furrowed and his mouth a little awry as he said, ‘Maxine, this is April. My birthday’s in July.’ ‘I know,’ I replied, ‘but I saw this card. The sentiment is so appropriate. It wouldn’t be there if I waited till July. And if I bought it and brought it home, I’d put it away and forget I had it. So I just thought I’d send it now.'”
This little story from Maxine Jensen reminds us that waiting for “the right moment” to do something usually results in doing nothing. We intend to act, but do not. We forget, or the person moves or dies, or we don’t feel the same way. It doesn’t matter what it is–mend a fence, share a compliment, restore a relationship, make a phone call, send a card, make a visit, express love, show kindness. We must carry out good intentions promptly.
The reason is clear in another story Ms. Jensen shares. “After my mother’s death I found in her Bible a card I had sent her many years before. The verse started out, ‘This morning when I wakened/ And saw the sun above,/ I softly said, “Good morning, Lord,/ Bless everyone I love!” Right away I thought of you…‘” Expressions of love, words of kindness, encouragement, concern, and care are the lubricants of life. They bless the giver and the receiver. They make life a little smoother.
Is there someone you should call, write, or visit? Is a word of kindness or encouragement needed? Could your timely action ease a burden or give a blessing? Would your love lift a life? Would your first step mend a relationship?
I come back to the verse I shared earlier this week. “The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.” (Isa. 50:4)” You can never do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.