Mercy and Kindness

A Norvell Note   

August 5, 2024, Vol. 28 No. 31

Mercy and Kindness

I was cutting it close on time to get to a meeting, so as I was leaving the neighborhood, I moved a bit faster than I should have. That’s when I noticed a police officer following me with flashing lights. So, I pulled over and stopped. He asked for my license, informed me of my speed, returned to his cruiser, and returned a few minutes later with my warning citation. I gushed with gratitude for his mercy and kindness. 

For the rest of that day, I consciously tried to show mercy and kindness to everyone I interacted with, including my wife, co-workers, the hospital and nursing home staff, the workers at the coffee shop, and the cleaners. I spent the day thanking God for the officer’s mercy and kindness. 

I should not have needed the police officer’s mercy and kindness to remind me to show mercy and kindness, but unfortunately, I did. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I have known for a long time that mercy and kindness are natural outcomes of accepting His mercy and kindness. But sometimes I forget, and sometimes I don’t feel like being merciful or kind.

So, I’m grateful that when a police officer chose to show me mercy and kindness instead of what I deserved, I could adjust my attitude and remember who I am and who I want to be. 

I hope you get through your week without an encounter with a police officer, but if you do, I hope he shows you mercy and kindness. And I hope you will join me in trying to be an instrument of mercy and kindness.   

A Norvell Note ^© Copyright 2024 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved