I recall one year my ex husband was deep in an addiction state before Christmas. My children were very young and I really had no idea
how I was going to manage to have a nice Christmas for them. Out of the blue my sister in law sent a box of gifts and one of my good friends did the same. My heart was full from these wonderful random acts of kindness!
This morning. Out of the blue, a neighbor showed up with a container of ice cream, which I had been craving and which my husband forgot to get at the supermarket. The Lord does provide!
Those small random acts of kindness mean so much whether you’re on the giving or receiving end.
Many years ago, 7-8, someone came into the “Urgent Care Pediatric Clinic” that We had an outstanding balance at & paid it off. They paid off many others balances too. This “random act of kindness” happened during the holidays. I tried to get detailed info from the clinic about who & such & they did not share.
I have never forgotten that beautiful gesture. It was a gift from above. ✨✨✨
I’m pretty sure the last time this question came up I told the story of breaking my wrist in a fall and how helpful everyone was. That’s still one that comes to mind more than a year after the break, possibly because my wrist still isn’t what it used to be (and I need to realize maybe this is just how it is now). (More details http://bikestylespokane.com/2022/09/24/broken-wrist-dang-it-no-riding-for-a-while/)
Or maybe I told about my lost glove and the kind stranger who clothespinned it into a tree where I could find it in January, quite a while after I lost it. I turned that into a blog post (https://biketoworkbarb.blogspot.com/2023/01/walking-in-january.html) that turned into a monthly post about my walks.
Those were sort of “big”, not the small ones that I appreciate receiving on a more regular basis. A “non-random” but unexpected recent kindness: Our next door neighbor sent us a big, beautiful live wreath complete with bows, berries and lights as a thank-you for the help we give her. (My husband moves her garbage cans back in every week because she’s not mobile, as one example.)
I benefit from my own random acts of kindness because I feel good about them! When my husband and I walk to the farmers’ market on the weekend we pick up litter along our route. I hold the door for others, I offer to help with packages that are slipping, I hurry after someone to tell them they dropped something. When I do this I have the sense that I’ve increased the possibility that they too will do that one extra thing for someone else and pay it forward so kindness expands. It’s contagious in the best way.
We have a next door neighbor, that every
now and then, leaves small gifts on our door
step. We are lucky to have landed
here, amongst such friendly and caring
neighbors.
Just the other day. I was going into the Post Office with an armful of packages. A woman ahead of me held the door open for me! I was so happy! Otherwise I would have had to put the packages on the ground in order to open the door. I told her that I would not go ahead of her in line…and Thank you!…but she had other business to attend to…and I was able to secure a place in line. A small gesture that meant alot to me that day. As the saying goes ” little kindness goes a long way”!
Many times over the years, people have opened doors for me, allowed me to go in front of them in a store line, smiled when passing me. I appreciate those moments, and I pay them forward by doing the same or similar 🙂
I was on an office trip to a different city. It is much colder and drier there. Someone I do not know or hadn’t met before left a jar of cream and a welcome note on my desk. I was so touched. I’m going through a bad bad bad eczema flare up right now and my friends checking in with me and praying for me and one of them coming home with some healing salts are all acts of kindness.
I have been the recipient of random acts of kindness throughout my many years and in various situations. In my years of ministry or teaching, kindnesses in line at a grocery store or helping me find my way on the road … I couldn’t begin to name all the many experiences of kindness. I wouldn’t have used the word “benefited” but I could talk all day about just how much difference it makes to receive such kindnesses. Have a good day, Friends!
When I lived in the Upper Peninsula of MI, most of my family and friends lived in the Lower Peninsula. Therefore, I made numerous trips crossing the Mackinac Bridge to be with family and friends. Each time I crossed, I would pay the toll for the person behind me. I got such a kick out of doing that, thinking it might just light up a life that could use a little igniter that day. For better or for worse, I have always been better at giving than receiving. I am working on that! However, I do believe that being the giver can have all the benefits of being on the receiving end of unexpected kindness.
Love this – I love giving too Mary :), I was curious and looked up that Bridge toll – $4.00 per car each way, I remember when tolls were under a dollar, lol inflation!
Every since I moved in 4 1/2 years ago, my next door neighbors (who are several years older than I am!) have cleared the snow off of my sidewalk and driveway every winter because I cannot do it myself. Just yesterday, an acquaintance delivered my lunch to me at home because I was physically unable to get to the senior feeding site. Richard Rohr says that “Full salvation is finally universal belonging and universal connecting.” How we relate to each other in all situations matters and can be as simple as exchanging a smile.
I have been the recipient of many acts of kindness throughout my life. One to mention, is all the kindness I have received from all of you whom share and reflect here. You have all been so helpful to me. I am humbled by the kindness that I feel. Thank you.
Yesterday – at our company Holiday Party – some of my team members choose to give gifts, very thoughtful and giving.
I actually benefited from my daughter, Kerry’s, recent random act of kindness. She put cash in a Holiday card and went to a Christmas tree place and walked up to 3 women – handed them the card- and left. She wrote out a beautiful writing in there. My heart filled with joy.
I look forward to reading everyone’s responses with today’s question 🙂
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I recall one year my ex husband was deep in an addiction state before Christmas. My children were very young and I really had no idea
how I was going to manage to have a nice Christmas for them. Out of the blue my sister in law sent a box of gifts and one of my good friends did the same. My heart was full from these wonderful random acts of kindness!
This morning. Out of the blue, a neighbor showed up with a container of ice cream, which I had been craving and which my husband forgot to get at the supermarket. The Lord does provide!
Those small random acts of kindness mean so much whether you’re on the giving or receiving end.
Dec. 13th was National Ice Cream Day 🙂
Wow! Not a coincidence, I think. (Sorry I just got to see your reply.)
Many years ago, 7-8, someone came into the “Urgent Care Pediatric Clinic” that We had an outstanding balance at & paid it off. They paid off many others balances too. This “random act of kindness” happened during the holidays. I tried to get detailed info from the clinic about who & such & they did not share.
I have never forgotten that beautiful gesture. It was a gift from above. ✨✨✨
I’m pretty sure the last time this question came up I told the story of breaking my wrist in a fall and how helpful everyone was. That’s still one that comes to mind more than a year after the break, possibly because my wrist still isn’t what it used to be (and I need to realize maybe this is just how it is now). (More details http://bikestylespokane.com/2022/09/24/broken-wrist-dang-it-no-riding-for-a-while/)
Or maybe I told about my lost glove and the kind stranger who clothespinned it into a tree where I could find it in January, quite a while after I lost it. I turned that into a blog post (https://biketoworkbarb.blogspot.com/2023/01/walking-in-january.html) that turned into a monthly post about my walks.
Those were sort of “big”, not the small ones that I appreciate receiving on a more regular basis. A “non-random” but unexpected recent kindness: Our next door neighbor sent us a big, beautiful live wreath complete with bows, berries and lights as a thank-you for the help we give her. (My husband moves her garbage cans back in every week because she’s not mobile, as one example.)
I benefit from my own random acts of kindness because I feel good about them! When my husband and I walk to the farmers’ market on the weekend we pick up litter along our route. I hold the door for others, I offer to help with packages that are slipping, I hurry after someone to tell them they dropped something. When I do this I have the sense that I’ve increased the possibility that they too will do that one extra thing for someone else and pay it forward so kindness expands. It’s contagious in the best way.
I like spreading kindness. The world needs more of it. Kindness matters. (One more blog link https://biketoworkbarb.blogspot.com/2018/01/kindness-matters.html)
We have a next door neighbor, that every
now and then, leaves small gifts on our door
step. We are lucky to have landed
here, amongst such friendly and caring
neighbors.
Just the other day. I was going into the Post Office with an armful of packages. A woman ahead of me held the door open for me! I was so happy! Otherwise I would have had to put the packages on the ground in order to open the door. I told her that I would not go ahead of her in line…and Thank you!…but she had other business to attend to…and I was able to secure a place in line. A small gesture that meant alot to me that day. As the saying goes ” little kindness goes a long way”!
Many times over the years, people have opened doors for me, allowed me to go in front of them in a store line, smiled when passing me. I appreciate those moments, and I pay them forward by doing the same or similar 🙂
A lady, who we randomly choose to clean our house, has offered a “free” cleaning for Christmas!
Thank you, E.
I was on an office trip to a different city. It is much colder and drier there. Someone I do not know or hadn’t met before left a jar of cream and a welcome note on my desk. I was so touched. I’m going through a bad bad bad eczema flare up right now and my friends checking in with me and praying for me and one of them coming home with some healing salts are all acts of kindness.
Sending you healing energy for a speedy recovery of your eczema flare up Journey.
I have been the recipient of random acts of kindness throughout my many years and in various situations. In my years of ministry or teaching, kindnesses in line at a grocery store or helping me find my way on the road … I couldn’t begin to name all the many experiences of kindness. I wouldn’t have used the word “benefited” but I could talk all day about just how much difference it makes to receive such kindnesses. Have a good day, Friends!
When I lived in the Upper Peninsula of MI, most of my family and friends lived in the Lower Peninsula. Therefore, I made numerous trips crossing the Mackinac Bridge to be with family and friends. Each time I crossed, I would pay the toll for the person behind me. I got such a kick out of doing that, thinking it might just light up a life that could use a little igniter that day. For better or for worse, I have always been better at giving than receiving. I am working on that! However, I do believe that being the giver can have all the benefits of being on the receiving end of unexpected kindness.
Love this – I love giving too Mary :), I was curious and looked up that Bridge toll – $4.00 per car each way, I remember when tolls were under a dollar, lol inflation!
Every since I moved in 4 1/2 years ago, my next door neighbors (who are several years older than I am!) have cleared the snow off of my sidewalk and driveway every winter because I cannot do it myself. Just yesterday, an acquaintance delivered my lunch to me at home because I was physically unable to get to the senior feeding site. Richard Rohr says that “Full salvation is finally universal belonging and universal connecting.” How we relate to each other in all situations matters and can be as simple as exchanging a smile.
I have been the recipient of many acts of kindness throughout my life. One to mention, is all the kindness I have received from all of you whom share and reflect here. You have all been so helpful to me. I am humbled by the kindness that I feel. Thank you.
Amen to that. Such a beautiful and caring group : )
Joseph, Your kindness, your willingness to be vulnerable and your wisdom is deeply appreciated, too. Thank you.
Yesterday – at our company Holiday Party – some of my team members choose to give gifts, very thoughtful and giving.
I actually benefited from my daughter, Kerry’s, recent random act of kindness. She put cash in a Holiday card and went to a Christmas tree place and walked up to 3 women – handed them the card- and left. She wrote out a beautiful writing in there. My heart filled with joy.
I look forward to reading everyone’s responses with today’s question 🙂
Oh that is beautiful what your daughter did : )
Michele, you raised Kerry well. Good job Mom. 🙏🏻❤️
A beautiful gesture of kindness, Michele. Thank you for sharing this!
That is so kind of Kerry.
A couple of days ago one of my carers gave me a jar of apple jam she had made. It is delicious! 😋