The roses in this photo were sent to my sister Molly by her best friend. The reason? To let Molly know that she was thinking of her. They have known each other since college, and they remain loving, loyal friends to this day. I find great Peace in knowing that Molly has such a person in her life.
When I think about the simple act of kindness shown by sending these flowers, I am reminded that being kind is a choice.
A couple of days ago, I was at the grocery store, and an elderly man was pushing his shopping cart toward the collection area, and I offered to take it for him. He agreed, and then proceeded to walk beside me and to get another basket to go back into the store. I chuckled and told him that I thought he was finished with the cart and that I was simply trying to be kind. He indicated that he knew that was my intention and that it was so kind, he wanted to return the favor by giving me his cart. We had a good laugh about it, and a woman standing close by began to laugh too. She said we were having so much fun that she couldn’t help herself.
I didn’t know the man or the woman, and we will likely never see each other again, but for a moment in the middle of the day, the joy of a simple act of kindness brought us together in a wonderful way. As I walked into the store with my cart, I felt a sense of Peace for the smiles and laughs I had shared with my new friends.
This Peace Walker believes there are opportunities every day for kindness, if we are willing to see them.
I wonder what would happen if each person did one act of kindness every day. What sort of ripple will each kindness create? How many people will be impacted by it?
It’s a simple challenge, really. Go out of your way to BE kindness.
You’ll be amazed by the response…