05.22.2026 | Friday in Eastertide

UNEXPECTED KINDNESS
 
Too often lately I’ve found myself becoming a bit jaded. A bit suspicious of everything.
Is this a scam.
Who’s calling me now.
Is this email or text even real.
 
Every article seems to warn the elderly (of which I am one) to beware. If it sounds too good to be true… it is. Hang up. Don’t click. Be suspicious of everything.
 
And then the unexpected happens.
 
The unexpected kindness of strangers. The unexpected kindness of unknown followers of Dr. B’s blog, @carondeletkitchen. Unexpected kindness still happens; we have proof.
 
We were coming home from a play date with our beautiful niece and great‑niece and decided to stop by the supermarket for a few items to finish a meal we were planning for the week. We gathered what we needed and found ourselves in line with the funniest checker, kind and smart and able to talk to a wall. We were actually having fun at the grocery store.
 
A few young men got in line behind us, and before we knew it, all of us were laughing and having a hoot. The groceries were totaled, and as we reached for our wallet, the young man behind us said, “NOPE! That’s on me!”
 
Flabbergasted, we kept insisting no, but he was so kind. So insistent. He offered us a sweet blessing and sent us on our way.
 
Unexpected kindness.
 
And it doesn’t stop there.
 
Dr. B has been writing her blog for five years now, and it was recently nominated for a 2026 A‑List Award from St. Louis Magazine. So many of her followers have reached out with kindness and support. We have been overwhelmed.
 
Unexpected kindness.
 
As I prayed and reflected on the week, one word rose to the surface: Grace.
Grace is love unearned. Love undeserved. Yet love given anyway.
 
Scripture says it simply and beautifully:
 
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32
 
Grace.
Unexpected kindness.
Abundant love.
 
May grace go before you, kindness follow behind you, and love walk gently at your side.
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