Hey folks, I wanted to check in and say, “hi.” This week the focus is on gratitude. So often, I overlook the blessings I encounter and, instead, see everything that is wrong with the world (in my eyes, anyway). It’s like I’ve been trained to see what’s missing. However, to be the beneficiary of random acts of kindness changes everything.
Let me set up my story a bit. To start, I belong to a great church, not a perfect church (there isn’t such a thing, you know), but a great church. I’ve found some people who gather around and support me, which is a pretty big thing considering my family is 500 (roughly) miles away.
Last holiday season, I found myself in Baltimore at Christmastime. I spent Christmas Eve at my Pastor’s house eating Chinese food and playing a White Elephant (for some reason I always want to call this Chinese Elephant…not sure why) gift exchange. During the exchange, I mentioned in passing the incredible comfort of the lumbar back support which someone else won.
Fast forward several weeks… My pastor’s brother, who was at the party, bought me my own lumbar back support and gave it to me today.
Why Random Acts of Kindness Are Important
While this act of kindness wasn’t entirely random (he knows me), this gesture created all sorts of warm and fuzzy for me because there was no ulterior motive except genuine niceness. Why the warm and fuzzies?
Firstly, it made me feel valued. Everyone likes to feel valued. And, while we can cultivate this feeling on our own through our internal beliefs and self-talk, it’s nice to have the sentiment expressed.
Secondly, I felt heard. Let me tell you, folks, nothing is more important to me than feeling valued and heard. The quickest way to get my foot on your butt is to ignore me and treat me as unnecessary (no joke!). Furthermore, I made an off-handed comment at a Christmas party, and someone heard me. There are people who have had significant roles in my life who didn’t pay that much attention.
Lastly, I feel inspired to go and do something nice for someone else. Life is too short to keep score. Let’s binge on niceness. I’m going to keep my eyes open for the next thing. 🙂
Who can you surprise this week?
Love, K.
Author of Ten Iron Principles, Contributor in The Power to Make A Difference
What a sweet gesture Ms. Kelly. Enjoyed your post ma’am. I’ve often wondered why I too seem to naturally apply a “critical eye” to everything. I’m no expert, but I believe this is the way God made us. For example, the most renowned art appraisers in the world, the best at counterfeit detection often tell us how they “sense” something is wrong about the object they’re evaluating. It’s as though their entire body prompts them to investigate further, to take a closer look. Perhaps when God created us, He imprinted us with the vision of His perfection so we might use that as the basis to evaluate everything else against. Ever notice how the stronger/closer our relationship with God is, the more easily we detect temptation and sin attempting to enter into our lives? Just my “old guy” thought for the week. Thank you for your act of kindness by prompting me with this post. 🙂 God’s blessings ma’am.
I love that idea… that He imprinted us with a vision of His perfection! (You’re probably right!!!) I think seeing what needs to be worked on is important when evaluating our lives for the purpose of uprooting sin, however, I don’t want to miss the awesomeness of God and His blessings.
I needed to hear this today. Mostly because I’ve been in a bad mood for the past 24 hours because of frustrating circumstances beyond my control. But your words reminded me to focus not on what is going wrong right now, but on all that I have to give thanks for this day. And to show kindness to another — it amazes me how much showing kindness can brighten my own mood. 🙂
Right? Kindness is a two way street. It feels good to both show kindness and receive it. I’m thankful God is improving your mood!
Like we’ve been trained only to see what’s missing. Yes, I can totally identify and it’s a sad commentary on buying into the more of culture isn’t it? Thanks for this. I needed to hear it.
Excellent! Imagine if we all did that on a regular basis! Thanks for inspiring me.
What a sweet treat! I love random acts of kindness, and you’re right – it inspires me to do the same for others!