The Gift Of Distraction - The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional

The Gift of Distraction

As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:10, ESV

The thing about losing a loved one is that long after the frozen casseroles have been eaten and everyone has returned to their busy lives, the loss is still there, the pain waiting to ebb and flow.

Grief is a crazy, unpredictable thing that still rears its ugly head and moves me to random tears more than a decade after one of my best friends, Katrina, died of cancer at the tender age of twenty-eight. Although she was a mere six months older than me, she was more poised, more polished, and more put together then than I am now, a full decade later. I love her and miss her with unbearable poignancy at the most unpredictable times.

Even having lived through it, I struggle with speaking words of empathy to others who have lost a loved one—no words seem quite suitable. I’ve often wished I could contribute something better than another frozen casserole or memento to put on a shelf. This year, I found a better option—at least for one person.

A few months ago my cousin lost her husband suddenly and without warning to a massive heart attack. As her children and grandchildren gathered around, I couldn’t help but think of the lonely nights she would face six months after the funeral—after friends and family had returned to their normal lives.

I prayerfully considered how my family could tangibly show our love in an enduring rather than fleeting way, one that could serve to distract on a lonely evening. I longed to remind her of Christ’s immense love, even in the midst of deep sorrow. We are called to do good by encouraging and building up our fellow Christians, just as much as we are called to love strangers.

Inspiration struck midday; my cousin loves to quilt, and what better way to distract than to inspire her with new creativity for her hobby? I researched quilting magazines, secretly conferred with her mom, and then signed her up for a subscription. Then I wrote her a note and sent her my favorite devotional for when life feels impossibly hard. The gift may not be able to heal the pain, but I do trust that God will use it to keep her company on the hard nights.

—Julie

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Think of someone you know who is going through a hard time. Provide them with the gift of distraction through movie tickets, a spa gift card, or a magazine subscription.