We are in the midst of the season of expressing gratitude for our blessings and sharing gifts with friends and loved ones. Amid the gifting, let’s not forget to include kindness toward others.
Kindness is associated with acts of charity; it is the quality of being warm-hearted, considerate, humane and sympathetic.
Kindness can become second nature to those who strive to become more aware of those around them. So what if you’re in a hurry at the store check out? Much good can be done if you pause to inquire how the person on the other side of the counter is doing during this busy season and wish them well before you leave.
Consider the following ideas for random acts of kindness. These can be adopted for the holidays, then made part of your regular routine in the future.
• Visit a nursing home and bring cupcakes. Stay and visit with the residents.
• Donate books to the local library or a local charity that collects books for needy children.
• Leave an extra large tip for your food server.
• Hold the door open for someone coming behind you, even if they are several steps away.
• Bake goodies and take them to the police station, fire station or hospital.
• Pay $5 to $10 of the person’s bill in line behind you at the fast food drive-through.
• Buy a balloon bouquet and ask the nurses at the hospital to deliver it to a child or elderly person who needs to be cheered.
• Bake cookies for a neighbor or teacher, just because.
Kindness doesn’t need to cost anything; it just requires a little time and unselfishness. We can all make a difference, one act of kindness at a time.
By: Kathlene Riggs - Dec. 20, 2011