Random Acts of Kindness
February 17 is a day set aside for Random Acts of Kindness Day. Maybe you buy the guy’s food behind you in the drive through at Starbucks or McDonald’s. Maybe you leave an encouraging note to someone you know who has seemed discouraged as of late. Maybe you compliment someone on their hair or clothes to help them feel better or more confident. Maybe you smile a little more, hold the door for someone, or help your neighbor.
There are myriads of ways to participate in this “holiday”. The only limit is your imagination. But it got me to thinking, “Why is it that we need a day to really reset our attitudes and our minds toward being more selfless?” I’ll tell you why. It’s because it’s not natural or innate in us to be selfless. And our culture, for the most part, bears that out. Sure, there are those who show moments of altruism, but the internet is flooded with millions who are trying to be influencers and make a living being an online celebrity.
It seems the internet has created a society that is somewhat artificial, shallow, and self- promoting.
Kindness, in itself, requires societal interaction. Sure, you can pay for someone’s food anonymously, but you still have to orchestrate it through someone (a waiter, drive through employee, etc.). We are becoming a society that is increasingly self-isolating (and that’s not good for anybody). This day calls for everyone to break out of their isolation and self-containment and interact with another for the BETTERMENT OF BOTH PARTIES.
Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s better to give than to receive?” Those of you who are natural givers know the blessing received by the giver when something is given with no thought of anything in return. It’s what the Bible calls a “cheerful giver.” Do you ever consider yourself to be like that? Not in a proud way; (that kinda defeats the purpose). I equate it to watching my kids opening Christmas presents, or remembering decades ago when I was young and the magic of Christmas was truly palpable. There is nothing better than watching my kids open presents they don’t deserve (because it’s not about them earning them, it’s about grace, and getting something you don’t deserve), and seeing the genuine joy and happiness they exude through this whole process. It makes me teem with happiness and joy myself when I see their euphoria. The euphoria is contagious in that way. I still remember how I felt as a young kid on Christmas morning. But I think I feel even better when I pay that forward to my own kids. Those memories are lifelong treasures I, and I hope my kids, will cherish forever.
But I (and you) shouldn’t stop there. There are times I don’t treat my wife and family and friends as good as I should. Sometimes I fail miserably. This holiday is a reminder to try to treat those I love better than I do, to encourage my friends more, and to selflessly treat those I come in contact with every day with respect, love, kindness, because you can never have too much of that.
Romans 12:10 – Paul says, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Can you imagine our world if we all tried to outdo each other with kindness? That is something to work towards. You can start today. You don’t have to wait for February 17th.
