Random Acts...

I read an interesting yet troubling article in the newspaper yesterday. It was a good article and definitely had a positive and uplifting angle yet I couldn't help feeling a little downhearted about what I read.

Random Act of Kindness Day Approaches was the headline. Apparently a day has been set aside to challenge everyday folk into doing a random act of kindness and then they have to encourage others to do the same thing by handing out preprinted cards that indicate that the recipient of one act should pass it on or pay it forward.

I love the concept. I am not fond of the idea that we need to be told to do this and that we need a special day to remind us how good and right it is to be kind. Why can't we do this without being prompted? Why does the media have to be part of it? Why do we need cards to remind us that kindness brings joy to the soul.

I say we challenge ourselves to random acts of kindness on a daily basis. Wouldn't the world be a better place if we took up that banner? Can you imagine? Manners might resurface. Patience will be the norm. Road rage and stress induced diseases would be a thing of the past.

I recall so many acts of kindness that happened last year as I was going through my chemo. I remember especially Darlene who gave and gave and gave. As I tried in vain to pay her back or at least talked about how I would pay her back for all her kindness, she reminded me that I needed to pay it forward! Sound advice if you ask me!

Kindness is more than deeds, though. According to author, C. Neil Strait, Kindness is an attitude, and expression, a look, a touch. It is anything that lifts a person. I like that. Really, when you stop and think about it, being kind is not a big imposition. Try it sometime. They say that if you do something three times, then it becomes a habit. Kindness is one of those nice habits.

I'm thinking Jesus did not have little cards that He handed out every time He showed kindness to others. I'm thinking that if He did, he would have needed a mighty big satchel!

I read this somewhere, too: If someone were to pay you 10 cents for every kind word you ever spoke and collect 5 cents for every unkind word, would you be rich or poor? Hmmm...

Check out this lovely, encouraging video. How can you show someone a random act of kindness? Don't wait for November or until someone gives you a card. Someone needs you today. Go get some flowers.