KINDNESS FOR KELSEY

Today would’ve been Kelsey’s 22^nd Birthday. So, I thought why not write a blog post about what I learned from Kelsey for this weeks post. To say I am thankful for the time I got to spend with Kels on this Earth is a HUGE understatement. This girl loved people better than I will ever be able to love people. I learned so much from her in just a short time. I could write a list a mile long filled with everything she taught me. Not to mention all the characteristics she had that were of Christ and pointed straight to Him.  But to spare you that long list and way too much time reading I have picked three things Kelsey has taught me by the way she lived her life.

JOY – COMPASSION – KINDNESS

1. Kelsey’s smile could light up the whole world. Anyone who knew her or even knew of her would back this statement up 100%. There was a light behind her eyes that could captive anyone, but it was more than just her smile that made her captivating to be around. It was her constant joy. She could make you laugh by doing some of the silliest things, she knew when to hug you and when to throw something at you, and she was always up to something. She wasn’t always happy, there were hard days, and hard things, but her hope was secure in Jesus, which brought her freedom and joy. A joy I so desperately want. That light behind her eyes was Jesus and what made her so captivating was the joy that Jesus brought to her life. Being around her was a joy, knowing her was a joy, being her friend was a joy, and getting to see her again one day will be the GREATEST joy of our friendship yet.

2. Kelsey loved to care for people. It didn’t matter if it was a child, a friend, an elder, or a stranger. She understood that people mattered. Everyday when I think about wanting to love those around me and get to know people’s hearts I think of Kelsey because she showed me how to do this. How to not just know a person’s name, but to know their story and their heart. People matter and Kelsey’s compassion reached past taking care of a surface need and went to where a need was truly met, their heart. I pray daily that I can have half the compassion she had; that I can strive to KNOW those around me more than just their faces, but to know their hearts and their stories.

3. Kindness. I think the reason everyone loved Kelsey was because she knew what is meant to be kind. She knew what it meant to offer a helping hand when someone needed it. She was always willing to do the behind the scenes work in order for a task to get done. She had a heart of service that manifested itself through her kindness. In high school, my favorite part of the day was seeing Kelsey after first period, because I knew I would get a hug and feel valued.

These three things are just a small glimpse of all Kelsey has taught me and things that made her who she was. I pray that we can all learn from her and seek Jesus…seek to know him, to be like him, and to make him known. One way to do that is by participating in Kindness for Kelsey today. Mama J wanted to do something for Kelsey’s 22^nd birthday and there is no better way than to do something kind for someone else today! Let’s remember sweet KJack by loving others today.

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss you, sweet friend, and not a day goes by that I don’t long to see you again, but until then I will look to Jesus. <3

RECAP:

Joy – Compassion – Kindness

Do something kind in honor to KJ today!

( Kindness for Kelsey )