Joni, my wife, and I were flying out to celebrate one of our long-time pastor’s retirement. At the airport we were looking for a parking place. We made a turn to head down a parking aisle and came to a quick stop. There was a man, all by himself, attempting to navigate 6 roller bags and a toddler car seat. Once he cleared the center of the aisle, and we were able to drive slowly by, I rolled down my window and said, “You can use some friends.”
We then parked. Departing our car, I went to the rear hatch to grab our bag. I closed the hatch and Joni was nowhere to be seen. I assumed she was simply making her way to the parking garage elevators, so that is where I headed.
Rounding the end of a row of parked cars. I found her. She was doing what she always does…extending kindness. She had caught up with the man still attempting to wrangle his luggage caravan. She grabbed two of the roller bags, assigned me one, and off we went. We helped him get all his luggage to the Southwest check-in area. He was very grateful. We were glad to be there at the right time to help.
Joni does this regularly. She always looks to help where she can. In practical ways she extends little kindnesses. She is Jesus to people in the everyday.
I define servant leadership as ‘seeing a need and taking personal responsibility to meet the need, with the resources you have available.’ This is exactly what Joni did. She saw a need (one man struggling with multiple suitcases), she took responsibility to meet the need with the resources she had (free hands and the ability to roll luggage).
We can all be more attune to the needs around us. We can meet more needs than we think. Every day we might encounter people who simply need a little touch of kindness. A helping hand; a word of encouragement; a smile; an extended grace.
The key to little kindnesses are paying attention. See what is going on around you. Step in, and up, as you can. Be available. Be willing to be a bit inconvenienced. And, when in doubt, ask, (WWJD) “What would Joni do?” I know you where probably thinking Jesus, but Joni was Jesus in that situation.