Deanna Beaver
I like to compare my friends and acquaintances to a puzzle piece. Each piece has a unique place and is needed to complete the puzzle. Every person in your life has a special place. You need each piece to be complete.
Just like people are different, the way they show kindness is different.
Recently, I have been the recipient of many acts of kindness. My brother passed away suddenly after a horrible accident. So many people showed up with various acts of kindness.
Honestly, every condolence—verbal face-to-face, phone call, text, direct message, email, a card, books, flowers, gifts, food, lodging, or a great big hug—was a huge comfort.
It’s natural for me to extend kindness to others. But in my experience, it’s hard to accept kindness. Just like love languages, everyone gives and receives differently.
Showing kindness to your friends is effortless, but what about people who have hurt your feelings? What about those who disagree with you? What about strangers?
Mr. Rogers says it best.“If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet, how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.” (Rogers, The World According to Mister Rogers, 2019)
Acts of kindness are not limited to close friends and family.
There are many opportunities to show kindness to others. Maybe God will give you a nudge, and you must decide whether to act on it or go about your business.
I can testify that I feel grateful when I act on that nudge. For example, last week, I was able to help an older woman to her car. If I had not read the room, I wouldn’t have noticed that she couldn’t open the door and carry a package. She stood there waiting for the door to open. My time is not so valuable that I can’t help someone else.
What about the time God kept bringing someone to your mind? Did you take that opportunity to reach out? Just Saying.
How have you received or given an act of kindness? Leave a reply below.
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I should give kindness first to those who are closest to me. You know, the ones who can also get on our nerves. I want to be as kind to my family as I am to people I occasionally see.
Jennifer, I know exactly what you mean. We tend to take for granted those that we interact with on a daily basis. I will also try to extend more kindness to them. Thank you for the reminder.
Listening is a needed act of kindness. When we stop to really listen, we can lighten another person’s heart. When my husband was hospitalized, a neighbor cut our grass and collected our mail. We all have gifts we can use as a blessing to someone else. I loved your post, Deanna, especially your idea to “read the room” and notice needs. I’m glad acts of kindness have blessed you since you lost your brother. Blessings.
Jeannie, thank you. What a great example of kindess your neighbor showed you. The fact that you didn’t have to ask, he just saw what needed to be done. You are a blessing to me.
Deanna, I am glad that you have experienced love and kindness after the passing of your brother. I think all of us would feel better if we extend kindness each and every day , even in small ways to those we meet.
Patty, thank you. I agreee. It’s a nice feeling that you get when kindness is extended to others.
Simple acts of kindness are the greatest gift you can give yourself and someone else. I find sharing laughter with people the greatest gift.