It all began with a wrong number. A Georgian family, excited about their newborn son, Cason, accidentally added a stranger to their group chat. They sent updates about the hospital, the mother’s progress, and the baby’s weight and arrival. The stranger politely pointed out the mistake, but the family kept messaging, unaware of it.

Instead of getting annoyed, the stranger replied kindly, joked along, and asked which hospital they were at. A simple mix-up became meaningful when he and his brother visited the hospital to meet the new parents and baby, bringing bottles, pacifiers, and other essentials. The two families met, took photos, and screenshots of their accidental group chat went viral. The brothers became honorary uncles to baby Cason and have stayed in touch.

Some may dismiss this as an accident, but I believe there are no accidents with God. As the saying goes, “Coincidence is when God prefers to be anonymous.” Rather than resenting life’s mishaps, we can listen for God’s voice and turn them into opportunities. After K Scarry’s Installation ceremony, I spoke with her father, who shared that while they were at an amusement park, they were about to get on a kids’ ride when they learned that only two people could ride together. As the parents debated who would accompany 5-year-old K, she calmly said, “You two can ride together; I can ride by myself behind you and make a new friend!” Instead of dreading the ride, K saw a chance to make a friend. Her parents must have been impressed by her maturity.

Life has unexpected twists and turns and can be cruel at times, but accidents give us a chance to choose kindness. Scripture urges us to be kind: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted and compassionate, to one another, forgiving one another as Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). “A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself” (Proverbs 11:17). “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). We are also instructed to welcome strangers: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Remember that Jesus said, “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35), adding, “If you did it to the least of these, you did it unto me.”

Though people and governments can be cruel, let us follow Jesus by showing love and kindness to friends, acquaintances, and strangers alike. Imagine a world where everyone chose kindness. With God’s help, we can make a difference by starting where we live.

Take care, and as Linda Soller always ended her blogs, be kind!

Bill R.