I don’t know exactly why this event from high school had such an impact on me, but perhaps it is because it was because it showed me that kindness does really prevail. As high schoolers do in a cafeteria, my friends and I usually sat at the same table or at least the same table together. When we were finished with our lunch, I asked my friends if I could take their trays for them. Not a big deal because we did it for each other all the time. But then, a table of more popular girls (not hard to do) a a nearby table said “Hey, why don’t you take our trays too?” and snickered. Before I could even be mad or embarrassed, the scripture about doing a kindness for your enemies is like pouring hot coals over their heads. It was not very gracious of me and they weren’t really enemies, but I thought the sentiment suited the time. So I started gathering up their trays too.

What began to happen was that they became embarrassed and mumbling that I didn’t have to do that for them. I truly did not mind and the fact that they were briefly uncomfortable for trying to shame me in front of a roomful of my peers, was just a bonus.

This psalm shares this sentiment, but it says even more. Let those who seek God be glad. If you are grateful for your salvation, say “Amen!” Because God is with us and is our deliverer! Thanks be to God!