I stood in the yard waiting for the ambulance. Light from the windows and door of our house flooded onto the dark lawn. It was 3:00 a.m., and I’d done what you’re supposed to do when your husband wakes you up to tell you he feels numbness and tingling down the entire left side of his body. I’d called 911.

I was doing the best I could to hold onto bravery. But the 911 team confirmed my fears. My husband was probably having a mini-stroke, but he was stable enough for me to drive him myself to the big regional medical center.

Thirty minutes later we walked into the ER, where they immediately ushered Jose into an emergency care room. My courage started to crumble as I sat next to that hospital bed. Tears overflowed and worry set in. His smile had a slight droop, and he said his left leg felt heavy. What was going to happen? How were our kids going to react when they woke up and found us gone?

Then kindness walked into the room.

“Hi, my name is Sarah. I’ll be your nurse. I’m going to ask you some questions, and we’re going to do some tests over the next couple of hours. You let me know if you need anything. Okay?”

“Hi, my name is Michele. I’m a technician. Do you need anything right now?”

“My name is Rob, and I’m a neurologist. How are you doing?”

With each person who smiled at us and made eye contact, that cold scary hospital became a little more human, and a bit more inviting.

My fear subsided as I sensed God whispering reassurance to me through the quiet, friendly care of the staff.

Kasey chatted with us in a cheerful tone as she wheeled my husband to his room on the third floor of the stroke hospital. Everyone who came in had a smile and a kind word for us.

“Hi, my name is Daniel. I’ll be your nurse until 7:00, but I’ll come in and introduce you to Tim before I leave. Can I get anything for you?”

Kindness took the sting out of being in the hospital.

Thirty-six hours later we walked out, grateful for Jose’s recovery and for the MRI which showed no permanent stroke damage. We were amazed by the graciousness of each doctor, nurse, and cleaning crew member.

Sarah, Daniel, and Tim, I don’t even know you, but for a few hours I saw Jesus in you. Through your words and smiles, Jesus offered hope and encouragement to me when I needed it.

What a difference simple kindness can make, even on the worst days, the 911 days that start at 3:00 a.m.

Kindness is a gentle demonstration of God’s grace to us, and it’s a powerful way to share His grace with others.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” {Colossians 3:12}

When we put on kindness, we look a little more like Jesus. We put hands and feet to this Gospel of Grace. Who needs to see Jesus on our faces and hear Him in our words today? Who needs to feel His touch through our hands?

Maybe a co-worker, a friend, or a neighbor that just moved in next door. Maybe it’s that little guy sitting on the couch next to you at home, the one driving you crazy. Maybe it’s the woman behind you in line at Starbucks, the one holding back tears.

Let’s be on the lookout. Who can we encourage through a simple smile, a pat on the shoulder, or a word of encouragement?

Seeing a little bit of Jesus just might turn their day around.

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Related: Tell someone how much their kindness has meant to you with these beautiful thank you notes!

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