Interestingly, two days ago, something happened to me that gave me an opportunity to put kindness into actual practice. You know how we have an agenda for our days and busily run to and fro trying to check off all the things on our lists? Well, the other day was just such a day. I had completed most of my tasks and was getting close to having them all done.
I parked in a giant discount store parking lot, got out and joyfully headed to the entrance. A young lady was sitting in her parked car with the window down. I thought I heard her say something to me but wasn't sure, so I slowed my walk. Sure enough, she did speak to me and got out of her car. She asked me if I could jump start her car. I replied that I didn't have any jumper cables and apologized. It was funny that on one hand I was a little relieved so I could complete my tasks with a timely finish but on the other hand sad that I couldn't be of help.
While I walked through the store, I was encouraged to simply buy a set and give her a hand. I walked to the auto section and of course could not find just cables. The only thing the store had to offer was an entire kit including; flashlight, batteries, reflective triangle, road flares and of course, jumper cables. My first thought regarding buying the cables was that they would not be very costly. The kit however was a bit more than I expected to spend.
I could not leave her sitting in the parking lot, so I got the kit. Who knows? You never know when you could use a reflective triangle or road flares! The 4th of July is not far away!
I paid and walked to where I left her earlier. She was still there but there were cars in front of her and on both sides, now I would have to apply that patience thing again. I actually was happy and waiting was not such a big deal. Finally a gentleman next to her moved and I was able to slip in next to her car. I opened the hood as she opened hers and I jump started her car. I was thrilled that the engine started with little effort so we could both be on our way. It struck me that now I had an emergency kit of sorts in case I was ever given an opportunity to be of service like that again. The feeling that I would now be carrying equipment that could be used to help another person was exciting.
She came over and shook my hand and thanked me enthusiatically. That gave me an opportunity to tell her I was a Christian and offer her one of the blue Grounds for Love bracelets. I told her of the website and hope that she visits it.
I have been in such situations before, like the time a very stressed out lady with a sick child asked me to get some flu medicine for her son and I brought out a bouquet of store flowers for her as well.
The point is not that I am Mr. Kindness but that if we slow down and keep our tasks in proper priority, we may see more opportunities to be kind and spread our love. If one of the definitions of love is kindness, then perhaps we should keep our radars tuned in for chances to be kind.
People may be startled to find that there still are kind people in this world and may want to pass your gesture on to someone else. How great is that?
Perhaps instead of rushing into a store with all we are focused on getting something accomplished, we can stroll in while looking for an opportunity to be kind.
Love somebody. Everybody. Be kind.