Kathleen had only met my father once, but she'd been faithfully praying for him during his three-week hospital stay. One day, I shared how he was growing discouraged and lonely because I was unable to visit him every day. "Do you think he'd mind if I visited?" she texted. "I think he'd love that," I responded.

The next day, she showed up at his door with a milkshake and a smile. "We had a great visit," she said. "I hope he was encouraged." Kathleen's kind gesture meant a lot to my dad, but it also encouraged me. She stood in the gap when I couldn't be there, and by ministering to someone I loved, she ministered to me. Kindness has a way of doing that — splashing out and watering the souls of everyone it touches.