Day 5
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.
Be the living expression of God’s kindness.
Kindness in your face. Kindness in your eyes. Kindness in your smile.”
~Mother Teresa~
I came across that quote of Mother Teresa the other day and thought, “Could I impact another life so that following our brief encounter the other person would walk away better and happier?”
Could you…or I…really do that? Really?
On this adventure of 31 Extraordinary Days
we are exploring what it means to live more fully, more intentionally.
And today….with kindness.
The definition of kindness according to Merriam-Webster.com is “a kind deed : favor, the quality or state of being kind.” Okay… If I were walking down the street with my arms laden and dropped one of my bags and you assisted me by picking up the bag, you would be showing me kindness.
So I wonder what is the definition of kind? As an adjective Merriam-Webster says it is “of a sympathetic or helpful nature, of a forbearing nature : gentle, arising from or characterized by sympathy or forbearance<a kind act>, of a kind to give pleasure or relief.” So… When you stopped what you were doing to assist me with my bags, you were evidently feeling sympathetic and/or helpful which prompted you to take action. Thus the kindness. Hmmm.
So why did I bother to give the definitions of kind and kindness? We all know what those words mean, don’t we? We do, but often our behavior doesn’t bear it out.
Are you a person who intentionally and lovingly interacts with those you encounter?
How many times are you, like me, in a hurry rushing around. My husband brought it to my attention while shopping. I walk quickly and weave in and around slow-moving people. I zip around corners so that others need to “put on their brakes,” so to speak.
Am I aware and thinking of others? No. I’m on a mission. Always.
But, what about those people I stopped short? Did I look at them? Did I even notice? I’m ashamed to say. Probably not. I’m sure that seems like a pretty lame scenario. But then again, what if I were more intentional to look people in the eye as I pass by? What if I greeted them with… Hello! or Love your sweater! or Cool cane! or ________ you fill in the blank.
The woman with the nice sweater had a difficult day, her dear friend was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. The young man was bullied at by his boss. And the woman with the cart of groceries was worrying if the balance in her bank was enough to pay for the too few groceries for her family.
What if I had just greeted or smiled at each of these people? Something so very, very simple. So easy. An act of kindness which really requires nothing of me other than my noticing each one and interacting with them.
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.
Be the living expression of God’s kindness.
Kindness in your face. Kindness in your eyes. Kindness in your smile.”
Can we do this? Yes!
Will we?
Whatever we do, wherever we go, today or tomorrow, let’s make it a point to be intentional in our interactions with others. At home, in the marketplace, and around our neighborhood…let’s do all we can to be the living expression of God’s kindness. Let our eyes, our faces, and our smiles emit kindness.
This, my friend, is extraordinary living.
I’d love it if you would kindly share your thoughts on kindness, too!
My thoughts are just the tip of the iceberg.
Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary!
Be extraordinary!
Diane
Sharing at TidyMom + Create with Joy
This is the fifth post in a series, 31 Extraordinary Days. Click here to see a list of all the posts, updated daily. If you would like to receive these bits of inspiration in your email inbox, subscribe now.
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Fantastic post, I really look forward to updates from you.
Thanks Andrea! Hopefully I’ll have the follow-up sometime next week.
Wonderful post! And the picture is beautiful. Even on bad days, practicing kindness makes the bad day lose some of it’s power over me but it is a conscious decision to practice acting out in a way that pleases God.
Thank you for those encouraging words, Debbie!
Isn’t it amazing how our choices…positive or negative…have such a great impact on our days.
Practicing kindness is a great idea! When we do…we take our eyes off from ourselves. That’s when we see change. 🙂 And God is surely pleased.
Blessings!!!
I am unable to be in public and not interact with others, it comes naturally to me ~ noticing if someone appears to be looking for something, I try to help, joking about the items someone in front of me may be purchasing, complimenting a cashier if she has her nails done nicely, talking to a child sitting in the shopping card, but by extending kindness to others, we also can also open ourselves to be hurt if that kind gesture is ignored or unappreciated. Perhaps they are not used to the kindness of others or think there is an ulterior motive but I will continue to be kind even if sometimes the recipient rejects the kindness.
Judi….you are truly an unselfish jewel. 🙂 What a wonderful way to be. I applaud you for continuing regardless of the reception. You no doubt have helped turn many people’s day from glum to gleeful.
Blessings!!!
Hi Diane 🙂
I really loved this. It is so true, we just never know what a smile or a kind word can do for someone else. I know it only takes a second to smile and it may be the only smile they get that day. We are living breathing Bibles in a way so we need to share God’s love by our words, deeds, something as simple as a smile or a hello how are you? can make a difference. Lots of love and hugs to you. <3 🙂
Babette
I couldn’t say it any better than you, Babette! I’m thinking that you bring a lot of joy to others through your acts of kindness. 🙂
Hugs & Blessings!
~Diane