One Word At A Time: Kindness
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 7:00AM MAD21 By MAD21
I love Random Acts of Kindness. Not in the humanist way exactly, because I think they do it for different reasons. I think when a Christian practices these random acts, it should be with the motivation that the person on the receiving end of those acts of kindness would see Jesus through them. In other words, the act of kindness is not about you, but is about the other person and what Christ can do for them.
I wonder, however, if acts of kindness shouldn't be... random. As one of the God-given fruits of the spirit, maybe we should look outside of ourselves more often and actually look for times when we can show kindness to others.
Do They See His Love For Them?
Fellow-blogger, Annie (Buzz By Annie's) wrote a great post this past Sunday called, "Lessons From the Checkout Line" where she talks about an experience she had when she was in a hurry and was faced with being forced to slow down and listen to someone who obviously needed it, the cashier. As I stated in a comment on her post, I think it's important when we are in a hurry or have our own agenda not to forget the people who come into our paths. I have to remind myself of that all the time.
I had a similar thing happen to me as Annie did this week. I had just finished grocery shopping and loaded it all into my car. I ran into a friend of mine as I was about to get into the car and we started chatting. The next thing we knew, a guy walked up to us who was obviously living in hard times (to say the least).
This gentleman stood talking to us for more than five minutes. It was a little uncomfortable, but I kept telling myself this was a man who obviously needed to be heard. So my friend and I waited patiently for him to be done and then we politely excused ourselves and wished him well.
After he walked away my friend looked at me and expressed how "weird that was." I just simply said, "Everyone has a story, I guess he needed someone to listen to his."
Just knowing someone cares can change a life.
I think it is SO important that our children see us being kind to others. It speaks volumes to them about how we are supposed to treat each other. That same day while in the grocery store with my youngest, an older woman dropped an entire container of grape tomatoes on the floor. They went everywhere. I was the only one around except for a store employee at the end of the isle. Without thinking, I stopped what I was doing and walked over and helped her pick them all up and put them back into the container. I took it to the store employee who acted oblivious to what was happening except to say, "Thanks for cleaning it up." The woman was so shocked that I helped her and was obviously very embarrassed. I said, "Hey, that's ok. It happens to all of us at some point, right?" She was so happy. It was very sweet.
I got back to my cart along with my youngest and asked her what was next on the list. She said, "Mommy? Why you help her?" I was a little surprised because I hadn't thought much of it. I said, "Well, sometimes we all need a little help, don't we?" She said, "Yup. Broccoli next... ooo carrots, can we have carrots?" So even though the moment was a short one, it was nice to know that my kids do see me doing something right every now and then.
It means something to them.
My youngest is a master at practicing random acts of kindness. Yes, she has her bad days just like any almost four-year-old. But I am constantly amazed at how much she thinks of others in her day. Something as simple as offering to take her older sister's yogurt lid to the trash can for her, or sharing part of her much-coveted cookie or grapes with whomever happens to be nearby, or giving you the best hug you've ever received. I love the joy I see in her face when she does these things for others. And she's young enough that her motives are still (mostly) pure. Her genuine desire to make your day brighter convicts me every time to do the same for others.
What have you done for others lately? For no other reason except that you saw someone who could use some help or some loving words? Go. Show Jesus' love to someone.
This post is a participant in a blog carnival over at Bridget Chumbley's One Word at a Time.
Be sure to go and check out what everyone else wrote on: Kindness.
Kindness, One Word At A Time in One Word At A Time
Reader Comments (10)
A long time ago, I passed a co-worker in the hallway and smiled a "how you're doing?" at her. She was fairly new and I didn't know her at all, just her name. She stopped me and said, "Do you really want to know?" I was startled into a nod. And then she poured out a huge hurt about having to confine a beloved aunt, the aunt who had raised her, to a home for people with dementia. And because I listened, a great friendship was born. And that's all I did -- listen.
Great post.
The greatest commandment can be condensed down, in its simplest form, to "Love God. Love People." And kindness is love in action. We show God's love when we show kindness.
Great post and I love those teachable moments with our kids, whether they are short or not (seems they are usually short, but leave a great big impact). It amazes me too that these moments reinforce to me why I do what I do so that I'm conscious of others, loving them, being kind, etc. Thanks, Ginny!
I agree. Genuine acts of kindness are not random. I wrote about exactly that today for the carnival on my blog. Great post, thank you!
I am glad that you helped the elderly woman. Who knows what was going through her mind distracting her when she dropped those tomatoes...
Being a great example to our kids is one of the best things we can ever do! You not only reached out to someone who more than likely needed it more than you knew... you also taught your daughter in the process.
Great post (and things to think about), Ginny.
When our children act in kindness it is because we have taught them so. Good teaching!
"Just knowing someone cares can change a life." It can change a life in the here and now and it change a life for eternity too!
Glynn- I have a picture in my house that says, "From one small seed of kindness, friendship grows." So true in many situations isn't it?
Kathy- I like that, "kindness is love in action." So true.
Jason- Yes, it's nice to have the reminders to reinforce why we have to stay conscious of what we are doing all the time. One never knows who may be watching. :o)
Ryan- Next time say which post is yours (you are welcome to include a link). I've read several but haven't found yours yet. I'll get there! Thanks for the comment!
Helen- Ya. She looked like a sweet lady. I hope it made her day.
Bridget- Thanks!
Louise- Thanks. It would be nice to take some credit for how they turn out. This has always been part of who my youngest is. It's a great gift for her to have.
Kevin- Excellent point!
Thanks for the comments everyone!
Love to you!