Small Kindnesses

From "Daily Strength for Daily Needs by Mary W. Tileston:

"Be useful where thou livest, that they may

Both want and wish thy pleasing presence still.

. . . .Find out men's wants and will,

And meet them there. All worldly joys go less

To the one joy of doing kindnesses." 

                                                                        G. Herbert

"Kindly words, sympathizing attentions, watchfulness against wounding men's sensitiveness,  - these cost very little, but they are priceless in their value. Are they

not almost the staple of our daily happiness? From hour to hour, from moment to moment,

we are supported, blest, by small kindnesses."                                              F. W. Robertson

It doesn't take much to make a difference in this world. Just a smile you give to a passing stranger, opening a door, allowing someone to pull out of the parking lot ahead of you, giving a compliment, saying thank you. 

Just looking someone in the eyes is a kindness, an acknowledgement. Everyone is on a device these days, everywhere you go. Slowing to share a simple kindness may possibly turn someone's day around, lift a heavy spirit or give someone hope. I decided years ago that if I thought something nice about someone, even a total stranger, I would take a risk and tell them. I love engaging strangers, talking, sharing a smile or a laugh.

Do you ever notice how some people become almost invisible to others?

People often pass them by without a second glance, without a thought. Quite often this happens to older people or less physically attractive people or people who are homeless. 

What if we acknowledged everyone we encounter with a smile, a greeting and perhaps a silent blessing? It's a fun way to go through the day. Just share a smile or a friendly word with everyone and see what happens. No strings attached. No expectations. Some people will not return your smile or greeting and that's okay. 

This reminds me of a poem...

                                        Do It Anyway

"People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."

- Mother Teresa