Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. - Hebrews 13:16
Anyone who knows me knows that popcorn is my favorite thing to eat. I have loved it since I was a kid having family popcorn nights together. I love popcorn in all of its various forms—caramel, kettle, cheesy, you name it. But my favorite by far is corn popped in my 50-year-old stovetop crank popper with a good dousing of melted butter and salt on top. This is tastebud heaven to me.
My husband and I indulge in this treat from time to time. There’s a certain look we’ll give one another—without words—that signals it’s time to grab the bowls, melt the butter, and begin the popping routine. Then we’ll nestle in together to savor the warm kernels, one after another.
Several years ago, an unexpected tradition crept into our custom and has continued ever since. Nowadays, after I have finished eating my bowl of popcorn, my husband faithfully reaches over and gives me the popcorn remaining in his bowl—a portion he has saved just for me! It’s a little thing, really, but a sweet sacrifice on his part that never fails to warm my heart and remind me that he loves me.
Sometimes we can mistakenly think that in order to show love in a meaningful way it needs to come in the form of grandiose gestures. And while it’s true those can be wonderful, our simple, consistent acts of kindness can also be powerful and leave an indelible impact on those we bless. If a little popcorn can do that for me, I can only imagine what your kindness can do for someone else.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
Don’t miss the opportunities you have to do something thoughtful for another person. Who can you bless in an unexpected way? What small tradition can you start that might speak volumes to someone in your life? Even a small act of love can make a big difference.