Every once in a while my heart is warmed by random acts of kindness. Here is one you may have seen.
A woman had been at the grocery store – a cart full of food at the checkout – when she realized she didn’t have her wallet. She apologized to the cashier and asked them to keep her cart to the side while she quickly ran home. Upon returning she found her food bagged and paid for with the simple explanation that the customer behind her had asked if she could pay for the groceries.
This was not a simple pay it forward for a few items, but a large weekly shopping trip. The kindness of this earthly angel was a huge deal in the eyes of the benefactor. Her family was going through a particularly trying time, with financial and emotional stresses beyond their ability to handle. This random act of kindness had meant the world to this family.
This made me think of the story in the bible of the good Samaritan.
While this woman was not lying on the side of the road asking for help, she was in need. The good Samaritan ministered to the man in need, he showed him kindness and compassion. He did not stop to consider how the man got himself into his predicament, nor did he assume he was suffering because of his own foolish decisions. He was kind simply because it mattered.
We can be kind simply because it matters.”
Being kind seems like a bit of a no-brainer – right? We’ve all seen spiteful comments on social media and rioting in the news. Showing kindness seems to be on a downward spiral – especially when it comes to our ability to care for those who look, worship, or vote differently than we do. And then I hear a story like this one and feel like maybe there is still hope.
For the rising generation to grow into kind, respectful, and responsible adults they need to see examples. This only happens if we practice and show by regular example how to be kind to our family, friends, and neighbors.
What are we teaching our families?
In my article, 5 Keys to Raising Wise Children, the first step was teaching kindness. According to a Harvard Graduate School of Education study, we are falling short as adults. Nearly 80 percent of children in the study said the adults in their life were more concerned with achievement or happiness than caring for others (Washington Post). We can do better than that. As families, we can find ways to practice kindness and help our children to learn what really matters in life.
Here are some ideas to consider.
Practice more kindness may not be paying for a load of groceries, but the little things teach important values.
1. Make kindness for others a priority. Instead of saying your happiness is most important – say it is more important to be kind.
2. Teach our children to address others respectfully, even when they are tired or grumpy.
3. Be a role model by doing community service. If possible, include your children. Help a local food bank, play games with residents at a nursing home, volunteer for an eagle scout project, or join a community clean-up day.
4. At dinner role play with the family. Make up an ethical dilemma and discuss how the best way to react might be.
5. Talk with your family about the uncaring acts that bombard us on various forms of media. Discuss justice and injustice.
6. Make gratitude a daily ritual. Be friendly and grateful to all the people we come in contact with. Express thanks to the waitress, bus driver, and store clerk – and do it throughout the day – at dinnertime, bedtime, in the car, and everywhere outside of the home.
7. Encourage kindness for those who are vulnerable. Share ideas for comforting someone who has been teased or bullied, and then set the example by doing the same with those you interact with.
Small and Simple Things
Need a few more ideas? It is the small and simple things that can make a big difference in the life of others.
“In a hundred small ways, all of you wear the mantle of charity. … Rather than being judgmental or critical of one another, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing her or his best to deal with the challenges which come her or his way, and may we strive to do our best to help out.” ~Thomas S. Monson
Just for fun here are a few small and simple things I’ve collected from various articles. Go out and find the joy of being kind, it is contagious!
1. Bring in your neighbor’s trash cans.
2. When you see a group trying to take a picture, offer to take it for them.
3. Make eye contact with the cashier, receptionist, car washers, post office clerk – anyone who serves you.
4. Put extra change in the metered parking.
5. Leave a generous tip.
6. Write special notes and hide them for family members to randomly find.
7. Leave a positive review for your favorite restaurant.
8. Send a text to let someone know you are thinking of them.
9. Let someone go in line before you.
10. Hold the door open for someone.
11. Have a family contest to see who can say “Hi” to the most people in a day.
12. Shovel a neighbor’s driveway or rake their leaves.
What are some small and simple acts of kindness you’ve done or have seen done?
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10 thoughts on “Kindness Matters”
Over this last week at the nursing home I work at, we had our second annual intergenerational camp where we had the children of the employees come and spend the 5 days with our elders. So many wonderful stories of the children learning from our elders and the children brought vibrance to our community. When they were asked what they liked best about the week, the most common response was eating with them and learning about what they had in common. Such a little thing as having a meal with an elder or someone that is lonely meant so much to both persons. Such a sweet experience seeing children from ages 6-16 all doing activities that brought both such joy.
I LOVE this! There are so many good things going on with this event. Serving others, showing kindness, connecting generations, and feeling joy! They are all interrelated and it is amazing how when you do one the others naturally follow – all leading to true joy. Thank you for sharing Tracy!
This is SUCH a great reminder! I like to think of myself as a nice person, but I tend to be so reserved (and therefore show kindness to mostly people I already know) that this can be a struggle for me! I need to look outside myself much more. My heart is in the right place, but I need to DO! Great post.
I see you as a kind person Jennifer, but I know what you mean. My reserved nature has sent the wrong message many times. I try just to consciously smile more. My deep in thought look seems to make me appear mad not contemplative. Small little things matter! Thanks for the comment.
It can be so easy to be kind and it can have far reaching consequences for good in this world. We can make an effort to “try a little harder to be a little better.”
So true! We don’t have to be perfect in a day, but the little things each day add up and can make a difference for someone else.
Another beautiful piece of writing and teachimg, Lori. Our prayer meeting at the temple today was on kindness and I loved coming home from the temple and reading this beautiful article you have written …..which reinforces the message received in the temple. One kind word can change someone’s entire day! Kindness always leaves the giver feeling better inside. I love how your parents paid it forward with purchasing the McDonalds meal for the people behind them… what a great example of not only being grateful, but going the extra mile! Keep up the great job with your writing… I love it! Michelle
Michelle you are always the epitimy of kindness! I always appreciate your kind words and encouragement! You’ve been a wonderful friend through the years and I have grown to love your wonderful kindness in all that you do. Thank you for always being an example to me!
While on a trip to Utah, we went through the drive-through at McDonalds for breakfast. When we got ready to pay, the person at the window said, the person before you, paid for your breakfast. We’d never had this happen before in our lives, and it was such a nice and surprising act of kindness, that we thought we’d give the person behind us the same experience. How often could we be more kind and think of others first, Ourselves last, and God always? The Savior Jesus Christ payed it forward for us, through the Attonement. We can be his hands as we pay it forward for Him, and others in our lives.
I love it!! I have heard of this happening, but haven’t had it happen to me before. I think it’s wonderful that you paid for the person behind you. We can be kind to others in so many ways. I’m glad you had this opportunity!