The Kindness of a Colleague's Warm Greeting

"All the statistics in the world cannot measure the warmth of a smile."
~ Chris Hart

Earlier this week, I attended a large business meeting. I was only attending a portion of it, so when I walked in, it was already in progress. I found the first empty seat and sat down. I looked around, but did not immediately see anyone I knew.

A few minutes later, a colleague I knew came over and greeted me very warmly. "I'm so glad you're here," he said with a big smile.

After my colleague went back to his seat, I realized that I was still smiling.  And it occurred to me that no matter how many times I have walked into rooms where I don't know people and how comfortable I am doing it, I very much appreciated the kindness of his warm greeting. It made me feel very welcomed.

The Kindness of My College Friend Overseas

"I appreciate anything thoughtful."
~ Hillary Rhoda

I have a very thoughtful friend from college who lives overseas.  Although years can go by between our visits, I greatly enjoy our e-mail communication.  One of the things that he does regularly is send me articles about acts of kindness, which I truly appreciate.  This latest one is titled "50 Unbelievable Acts of Kindness."  Some of these acts are hard to replicate, but there are ideas here for all of us!

Thank you, Dave!

http://news.distractify.com/people/faith-in-humanity-restored/?v=1

The Kindness of A Young Teacher's Generosity

"Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness."
~ Dalai Lama

The coming school year is much closer than the end of the last one, but I am still thinking about the kindness of one of my children's teachers.

I was one of two "Room Mothers" for my son's class. It was not onerous work. For the most part, my job involved sending e-mail reminders, fielding calls from parents, and helping to organize a few class events during the year.

At the end of the school year, my son's teacher gave me a gift certificate to my favorite store. I haven't used it yet, but when I think about what I will buy, I appreciate her generosity -- again.  I know that teachers, especially newer ones like her, don't make a lot of money, so I especially value her thoughtfulness.

I continue to be amazed by the long-term or continuing impact of kindness.  Like a nice memory, remembering a kindness always makes us feel good.

The Kindness of Giving Directions

"Be a blessing to someone else."
~ Joyce Meyer

Although some of us have more difficulty than others asking for directions, we are all generally met with kindness, or at least courtesy, when we do ask.

But, without asking, I recently received a schedule of meetings with an added bonus from a colleague -- directions!  My meetings were scheduled in a multiple-story building with mazes of cubicles on each floor.  So next to the location of my meetings, this very kind colleague added directions.

"This will save you asking 'Where is this room?' every time you change locations," she wrote.  My bonus schedule included notations like "corner room by green wall past Susan's cube" and other similarly explicit directions.

In addition to making my life easier, my colleague's kindness also lets me know that she cares about me.  She thought of something that would help me and then took the time to do it.  Having colleagues like that is certainly a blessing!

The Kindness of Bringing Joy

"Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls."
― Mother Teresa

A dear friend of mine who lives in another city, one of the Kindness Muses, wrote to me a couple of weeks ago about joy.  She shared:  "I have been praying recently...  for joy in my life: both to have joy and to show and bring joy to others.  And why do I pray for this?  Because I believe the message of our faith is joy itself."

Bringing joy to others is a gift -- and a message, a reflection of who we are and in what we believe.  And my friend is someone who consistently shares this brand of kindness.

The Kindness of Another Mother

"A kind thought, word or action creates infinite ripples of caring, consideration, and peace."
~ Amy Leigh Mercree

During a recital at violin camp earlier this week, a woman I know wanted to take a video of her children's performance. As they were about to begin, she moved to the front of the auditorium and sat on the floor in the aisle to shoot the video.

Just as the woman was wondering how she would gracefully get up after the performance, another mother who was sitting in the front row motioned to an empty seat next to her and said, "Won't you be more comfortable up here?"

The woman I know accepted the offer and quickly sat down in the chair, which was infinitely more comfortable than the floor.  As she sat there, it occurred to her that this simple act of kindness changed her view of the other mother, whom she had seen at camp for several years, but with whom she had never exchanged a word.

Kindness is funny that way.  A single act, even a seemingly small one, can not only help us, but also make us rethink our perceptions of others.

How Much Kindness in an Hour?

"Kindness is a magical spell -- performed by enlightened beings -- meant to enchant hearts and lift weary souls that might fly."
~ Richelle E. Goodrich

At one point today, I wondered if I was living in a film about random acts of kindness or if I was walking in an enchanted place.  In the space of about 45 minutes, I witnessed the following acts of kindness as I walked around historic Charleston.

• At a crowded Subway restaurant, a customer's credit card was declined when she tried to pay for her food. Before the woman could answer the cashier's  "Do you have another card?", the young man standing behind her in line handed the cashier his card and paid for the woman's order.  The woman looked stunned as she thanked him and left with her food. 
• Several people behind the young man in line at Subway, a woman had observed his kindness. In addition to her order, she bought a Subway gift card and gave it to the young man who was eating his sandwich with his friends at the restaurant. 
• A couple and their daughter were walking through a historic cemetery and taking turns taking photos of themselves. A woman also walking in the cemetery offered to take a photo of the whole family. "Yes," said the mother.  "We just don't like to bother people."
• Not far from the Subway in a camp dining hall, a boy spilled his cup of water as he was helping his mother clear the table."  The mother began wiping the spill with the one napkin she had. Before she could grab more, a father at the table next to her got up and handed her several napkins -- enough to take care of the spill. 
• A man sitting outside the Charleston Library Society saw a woman trying to negotiate a baby in a stroller and a couple of other children up the front flight of steps. He stood up and helped her carry the stroller up the stairs. 

And that doesn't count the numerous doors open and held, the thank yous said, and the smiles and greetings shared. 

There is something about so much kindness that truly lifts the spirit. Charleston is my kind of town!