Has kindness ever unexpectedly surprised you?
Kindness is such a quiet, simple act. Often a whisper, barely noticed, yet a gentle breeze of hope into another’s soul. Kindness is a choice. It isn’t expensive; often costing nothing at all. All it takes is one person to notice another and to smile and offer something – a drink, an open door, an apology, gentle word. a smile… Mark Twain said, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
A few weeks ago, I was on my annual silent retreat. While attending this retreat I was doing my best to stay within my Weight Watcher plan by avoiding those carbs and desserts without asking the kitchen staff to go out of their way for anything special. At one lunch one of the staff members approach me. She said, “I noticed the other day, you didn’t take any rice and tonight we are having pasta, would you like me to prepare you a chicken breast instead of pasta? It would be quite easy to have ready for you.”
How kind of her! And what a delight to have that choice. She noticed, then acted. Simple act of kindness. And yes, I thanked her and thoroughly enjoyed that tasty chicken breast.
Always be a little kinder than necessary.
James M. Barrie
The world can be a rough, lonely place and we certainly need more kindness. What if each of us try just a little more each day to smile, to give, to be kind? Just a tiny bit? Smile. Hold that door open. Write that note. Make that phone call or that visit you have been putting off. Leave a more generous tip. Give a compliment. Pick up litter. Hold your tongue. Bring in treats. Help someone. Serve a meal. Pray. Donate. Be mindful of the words you use. Use gentle words with other and to yourself. Be kind to yourself. Forgive.
I have the following prayer on a plaque on the shelf by my kitchen sink. It is one of my favorite sayings but one I don’t say enough. But one I hope to say more.
Dear Lord,
I expect to pass through this world but once;
and any good thing, therefore, that I can do
or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature,
let me do it now;
let me not defer or neglect it,
for I shall not pass this way again.
Stephen Grellet
How will you practice kindness today?
oh my goodness, Jean … this is so very profound and terribly needed in this day and age where kindness seems to have been replaced by gloomy negativity and endless self-absorption. you’ve brought lovely rays of sunshine to our screens and i am grateful.
‘Always be a little kinder than necessary’ is wise counsel that shouldn’t be too hard for us to manage. thanks for the prompt to go there on a regular basis.
bless you.
Kindness is so needed and so powerful!!
How nice of her to both notice you were passing on the carbs AND to ask if you wanted the chicken breast! That’s a special kind of kind person. 🙂 I’ve been trying to remember at the beginning and end of each day this week to think back on those who have shown me kindness. I’m grateful to always find examples!
what a beautiful way to frame each day. I do that with gratitude but do that with kindness reflection too is a great idea!
Our own experience of receiving a delightful kindness proves the difference it can make. We have at our disposal a power to bring joy into the lives others! Thank you, Jean, for inspiring us to do just that.
Kindness is so powerful isn’t it, Nancy!
Indeed it is!
thank you jean…so tempting to lash out….be vengeful..all natural responses to nasties done to us by others…but then we see Jesus hanging on that cross….
peace
I too am tempted to lash out instead of choosing kindness yet that is the better choice. sometimes just that momentary pause is all it takes to allow the HOoly Spirit to guide our hearts and seal our mouths. LOL
I love those words you have on a plaque in your kitchen, Jean! We should all show more kindness toward others and to ourselves as we all too often beat ourselves up for our failures and shortcomings. And I know you’ll never forget the kindness shown by the staff member at your recent retreat. How observant of her! We never know when just our smile will brighten someone’s day.
Blessings, my friend!
I have had that plaque my entire adult life. just love that. poem and it is so true! That lady on my retreat really touched my heart and retaught me such a lesson. I don’t think I will ever forget her.
Jean – your blog today was so revelant to something I am going thru…I want to be nasty as the person is so nasty, but prayed about how to respond, and up popped your blog. Thanks….
Wow Penny. Thanks for leaving this comment. Yes yes I have been there too where I wanted to take revenge and be mean then something like someone elses words changed my mind. May we both continue to be light for others! Blessings!!