Kindness, a Teenager and a Taco

“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.”

~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

One of my favorite teenagers was riding with her mother in their car on her way to an evening activity.  It was a drive-thru kind of evening, so they had just picked up food for the teenager at a Taco Bell.  Stopped in traffic, they saw a gentleman who appeared to be homeless walking between the cars asking for money.  The mother began searching in her purse for her wallet, but the teenager said, “Ask him if he would like a taco.”  The mother rolled down her window and asked the gentleman if he wanted a taco.  He gave her a broad smile and said, “I love tacos!”  And so the teenager gave the gentleman her taco.

Kindness and Affection

“I was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it.”

~ Audrey Hepburn

As I was driving in my neighborhood on a recent evening, I saw an older couple crossing the street.  They seemed to be in their late 70s or perhaps 80s.  The gentleman had his arm around the woman.  Several minutes later, I saw them walking on the sidewalk and the gentleman still has his arm around the woman.  I don’t know if they had been married for 50 years or if it was a new romance, but however long they had been together, their affection made me smile.

Kindness and Graciousness

“We’re all in this human experience together, so let’s try to be kind, gracious, and compassionate to each other.”

~ Kailin Gow

One of my dearest mom friends is a very gracious host.  Recently, she invited me to her house for coffee (which, of course, isn’t just coffee – it’s a full-course brunch).  I realized I was running late, so I texted her to say I would be arriving about 20 minutes later than the time for which she had invited me.  “That’s the perfect time!” she replied.  And that is a perfect friend – never making you feel worse than you already feel.

The Kindness of a Reminder about Sacred Space

“Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.”

~ Joseph Campbell

I recently heard a wonderful sermon by a visiting Jesuit about the importance of maintaining our sacred spaces.  He said that we need to make sure that we make the time and space for the things that truly matter in our lives, like praying and family.  This priest shared that he recently realized that he had spent a day without praying outside of celebrating Mass.  He said that sometimes it is difficult to carve out that time when the busyness of this world encroaches on our lives, but that it is very important to do so.  As I thought about his wise remarks, I realized that when I don’t make enough time for the things that are sacred to me, I feel out of sorts.

Kindness and a Returned Credit Card

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”

~ Princess Diana

On a recent weekend, I went to the movies.  A few hours later, I looked for my credit card and could not find it.  After searching everywhere in my purse, I called the movie theater as that was the last place I had used it on the off chance that someone had found it.  To my surprise, someone had found my credit card and turned it in.

Kindness and the Imprint of Love on Hearts

“I know what it is like to be brought up with unconditional love. In my life that came from my grandmother.”

~ Andre Leon Talley

Recently, it was the anniversary of my grandmother’s passing 19 years ago.  My grandmother was a very prominent figure in our childhood, and her memory still looms large within our family nearly two decades later.  She may not be a part of our daily lives the way she once was, but she is a part of who we are.  When I look at a photo of her that I see daily, I am reminded – and buoyed – by her love.  Love leaves an indelible imprint on our hearts.

The Kindness of the Gift of Time

“To give somebody your time is the biggest gift you can give.:

~ Franka Potente

One of my dearest friends stopped by for a visit recently.  It was just going to be a 15-minute chat as she was on her way to a yoga class.  But she decided to forego the yoga class and we ended up going to lunch.  When I told her that I did not want her to miss the yoga class, she replied, “Yoga will always be there, but I don’t always get to spend time with you.”  Our time together was fun and I smiled days later as I recalled how much I appreciate the impromptu lunch.  The gift of time is truly priceless.