Have you ever thrown a stone into a pond and watched the ripples move outward in a circular pattern? The stone striking the water’s surface creates ripples that extend beyond the point of impact – they become far-reaching effects of a small action.
On this journey of life, we have daily opportunities to express kindness in both word and deed. From a simple “good morning” to a moment spent holding a door for a senior citizen or returning a cart for a mom who’s juggling groceries and the kids. Kindness is an expression that can influence a person’s mood and impact their day – a truth that speaks to both the giver of kindness and the receiver.
One day I was in a coffee shop with several relatives enjoying a Sunday meal. As we were finishing our visit, I noticed a middle-aged woman alone in a small booth having a piece of pie and a cup of coffee. When I went to the counter to pay our bill, I asked the hostess about the lady and learned that she came to the restaurant every day since her husband passed to have pie and coffee. It was her way of staying engaged with the outside world while processing her grief.
I was immediately struck with the understanding that a gesture of kindness would demonstrate she was noticed and that good things were still possible. I paid the lady’s bill, including tip, and asked the hostess to let her know someone wanted to bless her that day. It was a simple gesture, a small action, but one that created empathy ripples in my heart, and hopefully ripples of validation and hope in hers well beyond that moment.
The Golden Rule we learned as children still has value today – and quite frankly, is now more important than ever – do unto others what you would like done unto you.
I believe kindness has several first cousins – namely thoughtfulness, consideration, and care. If we all show at least one kindness a day, imagine the ripples it will stir in our hearts, and how it might just bless another’s.
For more on this topic, and suggestions of kindness opportunities, please visit the Whimspiration YouTube channel “Faith Hope & Friends”.
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