Earlier this week, Lila's kindergarten teacher brought Lila and I home after school, because my car key broke and fell off my ring somewhere between the parking lot and Lila's class line. Crazy accident, right? But that sweet woman generously offered to rescue us. The women in the front office were so kind and helpful, looking up phone numbers and offering their best advice, and a phone and phone book too. The assistant principal actually found my missing half of a key the next day and returned it to me.
THANK GOD FOR KIND PEOPLE. Kind people who hurt when you hurt, who offer to help when you are in a jam.
In this world of go-go-go, it's often so easy for us to just look past people who are having trouble in favor of our own busy schedule and to-do list. But these people didn't.
So on Friday, we brought flowers to the school staff and to Lila's teacher. Miss Anna in the front office was so surprised and overjoyed. They were just simple wildflowers from the grocery store, but I wrapped them in kraft paper and washi tape and added a pretty handwritten note. I didn't spend a lot of money, in fact it took me longer to rewrap them and add my personal touches than it did to purchase them. But they thanked us over and over. And my heart swelled. And Lila grinned and ran off to class to take her bundle of flowers to her teacher too. She wrote me back a sweet thank you note and she loved all over Lila at school.
You know, I was struck by how good it made me feel to make someone else happy. Even though they made me happy first. Isn't kindness a funny thing? I've read somewhere that kindness is actually a selfish thing to do, because it makes you feel amazing in the process. I'm not sure that I believe that. But I have to admit that even when I start out in a grumpy mood, I can feel my spirits lifted after I've done something kind for someone.
Love doesn't just talk about loving on people... love actually does.
This week, I want to challenge you to show kindness to someone. Do something extra special for someone who doesn't expect it. Do it "selfishly" if you must, but do it with a genuine smile and a sincere heart. I promise you will be so happy afterwards.
Kindness doesn't have to be big and showy to make a difference. Pay for someone's coffee in the Starbucks line behind you. Hold the door open for a mama with a stroller. Hold the door open for anyone. Buy flowers for a friend. Make a pan of Shauna's enchiladas for a new mom and take them to her. Take your kids to the park or to a movie. Read one more story at bedtime. Refrain from nagging your husband and instead ask him if there is anything you can do for him. Smile at and say hello to the stranger you pass on the sidewalk. Download a song your kids love and play it in the car.
And don't forget to come back and tell me how awesome you feel. :)