Kindness and a Poster

"Never suppress a generous thought."
~ Camilla Eyring Kimball

My mother was working on a project for which she needed a poster board.  At lunch with a couple of friends, she mentioned that she was going to drive a distance from where she lives to buy it.  One of her lunch companions said that he had not left their community for several days and would be happy to get it for her.  He bought her the poster board as well as a couple of other things, including an easel for her to display the poster.  My mother was very glad that she did not have to drive far to get her supplies, but I think she was even happier that someone was so kind.

Kindnesses that Ease Travel

Wherever you go, go with all your heart."
~ Confucius

On a recent trip, just as I found my seat on the plane and turned around to grab my bag, a gentleman jumped out of his seat and put my rollerboard in the overhead compartment.  A few minutes later, I saw a gentleman discover that there was someone in his seat.  The other passenger had mistaken the row and sat in a row that was one ahead of his assigned seat.  The first passenger told the second one, "Don't worry, I'll sit in your seat" and did just that.  Little kindnesses, but they ease airplane travel.

Kindness Described

"The act of giving without the expectation of something in return is the true definition of kindness."
~ Unknown

The other day at dinner, my children and I were talking about qualities that we value and how we see those qualities in other people.  My son brought up one of his friends who he says exemplifies kindness.  He said:  "She always shows a bright smile, she never says bad words, and she'll move to another chair -- just for you."  Sounds like a kind person to me.

The Kindness of a Blessing

"A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just."
~ Pope Francis

While traveling in Latin America, I met a priest who travels frequently to the city where I live.  Recently, he called to say that he was in town and heading to catch a flight back to his country, but just wanted to leave me a message saying hello and giving me a blessing.  The blessing made me smile and I listened to it twice.  I haven't erased it.

Kindness through the Eyes of a Child

"One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings.  The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child."
~ Carl Jung

As the end of the school year rolled around for my third grader, we bought small gifts for his three teachers and I asked him to write them notes thanking them for a great year.  This was his first year at a new school and it had gone incredibly well.  It was interesting to see what he treasured.

For each teacher, he wrote, "Thank you for a great year."  He followed that with:

Teacher 1:  "You were always there for me.  You made me feel positive."

Teacher 2:  "You gave me delicious mangos.  You make me laugh."

Teacher 3:  "You always greeted me with a warm smile."

Their kindnesses made for a great year.

The Kindness of the Gift of a Few Minutes

"The greatest gift you can give someone is your time, your attention, your love, your concern."
~ Joel Osteen

A woman I know had had a rough few days and after another long day, she had to go to an evening meeting that she was not looking forward to attending.  On her way to her car, she called a good friend whom she hoped would also be at the meeting to ask if she would be going.  "Yes," her friend replied.  "Do you want me to pick you up?"  The woman was delighted at the prospect of going with her friend, but reminded her friend that that would make her friend late.  "Who cares about being a few minutes late?" her friend said, "That's an extra five minutes I get to spend with you."  So the two women drove together to the meeting, thrilled at their unanticipated opportunity to spend a little time together.

Monday Kindnesses

"Did I offer peace today?  Did I bring a smile to someone's face?  Did I say words of healing?  Did I let go of my anger and resentment?  Did I forgive?  Did I love?  These are the real questions.  I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come."
~ Henry Nouwen

Kindness can come in a variety of ways.  On some Mondays, it can range from friends offering the use of their vacation home while your home undergoes necessary repairs to a simple text that reads, "What's up buttercup?"  It's all good -- peace, a smile, comfort.  Kindness seems to arrive when we need it most.