Be perfect in kindness

It’s been said that the little things are the big things. This applies to many aspects of life, but especially to the small courtesies, the little acts of kindness that end up making a big difference. Truly, from the small and simple comes that which is great. It happens when a seedling is nurtured and grows into a strong tree, and it happens when little kindnesses help people blossom and grow. It’s one of the most important ways we make a difference in the world. 

And certainly, there are things about the world that we wish were different. We see conflict and discord at home and abroad, and we wonder how things will ever improve. In this respect, our day isn’t unique; those who went before us faced times that were challenging and difficult too. But that doesn’t mean the situation is hopeless. There is something we can do to feel a little better about the world and about life. And it doesn’t have to be something grand or dramatic. Sometimes even the most complicated problems have surprisingly simple solutions. 

When the world seems to spin out of control, we can do our part to “try to stem the madness,” as one columnist wrote recently. “It begins with simply caring,” she said, “by looking up from our cellphones and making eye contact; by asking the security guard about his day; thanking the garbage collector; doing favours without a scorecard; giving away money because someone needs it more. Sometimes a small gesture of kindness can change someone’s day or life. If the cumulative effect of evil acts brings us down, mightn’t the cumulative effect of good deeds lift us up?” 

We’ve all experienced the wonderful way both givers and receivers are blessed when people help each other. So often, the receiver of help is prompted to become the giver of help to others. The chain of kindness continues to link people and spread warmth, even on cold and snowy days.

How grateful we are for those who don’t stop at their own front door or sidewalk, but extend to others. Such good-hearted people make the world a better place by doing something unexpected for others. It doesn’t take much: a little thoughtfulness, a little time, a little heart. One person visits those who he knows may be lonely. Another sends thank-you notes to people who have touched her life. Another always plans for a few extra servings whenever preparing a meal, so there’s something to share. And still another takes time to really listen. All do their part to start or continue a chain of kindness. In the process, they find connection and friendship. Helping others often leads to meaningful relationships that bring joy and satisfaction throughout life.

The seasons come and go, but opportunities to serve are always with us. In the timeless words of Martin Luther King Jr., “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” Helping others is always in season.

Most often, those who do kind deeds never see their names in the newspaper; they rarely make headlines. But that’s OK. Their benevolence is not motivated by the thought of what they’ll get in return. They have big hearts, and they’ve discovered the thrill of doing something good.

Each of us can probably think of people who’ve helped us along the way. Often they’re close to home. A seven-year-old boy will not soon forget the kindness of his next-door neighbour. Just days before Christmas, the boy lost his dog. He did everything he could to find him. He looked around the neighbourhood, made a sign all by himself, and posted it on the mailbox. He asked neighbours if they’d seen him. Everyone was compassionate; they said they’d keep their eyes out for the boy’s dog. But one neighbour did a little more. He woke up early the next morning and searched for the dog. And again in the evening, the neighbour canvassed the area. On Christmas morning, the boy’s dog was home again, thanks to that kind neighbour. Can you imagine the boy’s delight when he woke up and discovered that dreams really do come true and prayers are indeed answered? The sparkle in his eye was the reward of kindness. And, as is often the case, the one who did the good deed was not even there to see it.

Hope swells every time we respond with kindness. Like breath, it moves through us all and reminds us that simple actions can make the world a better place. Human kindness gives meaning to otherwise ordinary days. We need each other; we depend on each other’s willing compassion and good cheer. By opening our hearts with simple acts of kindness, we feel connected to each other and to the God who gave us life.

It’s simple, really. A sure way to begin feeling a little better about the world and your life, a good way to truly make a difference in a troubled world, is to look around and do something good. The good we do matters, for the best way to drive away darkness is to turn on a light, even if it’s small. So do some good today and tomorrow. Before you know it, the world will become a better place.

Email: samueleghan@gmail.com

By Samuel Enos Eghan