“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 TeresaI learned this is National Random Acts of Kindness Week. Did you know there was such a thing? I sure didn't...Or maybe I did at one time but it didn't make a permanent impression on me.
I can honestly say I feel like I receive acts of kindness more than I give them. I truly don't mean for it to be that way but sometimes that's just how it works out. I mean to bake muffins for my neighbors for no reason but I haven't. I mean to encourage the sick or the lonely, but I don't often get to it. I mean to...I mean to...I mean to. Know what, unfortunately, the thought DOESN'T count.
In honor of National Random Acts of Kindness Week, I am going to do something nice for two of my readers. Honestly, not sure what yet but something...
To get in on the kindness, you have to work quick!!! Just leave a comment telling me the kindest thing someone has ever done for you by midnight on Sunday, February 17th. On Monday morning I will have Miss Lindy Li-Xiao RANDOMLY choose the winners.
Please note, if you read but don't comment (known as lurking in blogworld) but want to get it on this, it is REALLY easy to leave a comment. You don't have to be a blogger... You don't have to sign up for anything...TRUST ME!
Looking forward to hearing about how you've been blessed in the past and encouraging you to be kind--always.
P.S. I promise I didn't plan this but no sooner did I get to the part about all the things I mean to do, I got a call from my friend and former co-worker, Ann, who wanted to stop by the house with her incredible frosted sugar cookies she knew I always enjoyed so much. See what I mean??? I get kindness more than I give it!!!
16 comments:
The greatest act of kindness for our family was when our friend Jim graciously offered to take two weeks off (he was beginning a new job - he is the fire chief in Philadelphia)and go with Rob to receive Miss Hannah Leigh. It was a huge sacrifice and one which we will never be able to thank him enough or repay his generosity. He and his wife are an incredible "aunt" and "uncle" to our girls.
I can't wait to see the responses!
Love you!
Heather
I think the greatest act of kindness given to me was by our friend, Jean (yes, you know the one!). She is one of those people who is always looking for ways to give to others. Well, about 5 years ago, we moved to Lubbock for a short period of time. We were trying to save money and so we wanted to do the move ourselves. Jean loads up her mom and son and helps us move to Lubbock. She drives a van full of stuff, corrals 2 young boys, stays a week and helps us get settled and so on! Now, that in itself is a huge act of kindness, but more than that, this move took place in the HUGE blizzard! Remember it? Huge cold spell in November about 5 years back? The trip that should've taken 7 hours, took 2 days!!! And I was busy having panic attacks in the van, she had to completly take over on that trip!!! Yup, HUGE act of kindness!!
great post, lisa. i think one of the kindest things we have been blessed wtih has been meals from the church when we had our kids. i cannot imagine having to worry about food on top of having a new baby, and the meals were such a blessing to us!
Like Jill, my post involves the church. When my twins were five, I got a divorce. My ex wasn't paying the court-mandated child support, and I was having a hard time making ends meet. I don't know who told the church board, but they came out to the house and visited me. And they made my house payment and utility payments for two months until I got back on my feet. I will eternally be grateful and have no idea who told them about my plight. I've never forgotten.
I think I'd have to say J sacrificing and going to UCSB (instead of a more prestigious school that he knew I wouldn't get in to) was probably the greatest act of kindness.
You have inspired me. I am going to do something over on my blog. Thanks!
When I was growing up..we went to privae catholic school. My Mom was Catholic but my Dad was not. When they divorced my Dad did not want to pay my tution anymore. I loved going to a religious school but my Mom could not afford to send 3 daughters to private school without my Dad's help. A priest that I knew paid my tuition with his own private money (all of high school). I have never forgotten this and have now helped others who cannot afford catholic school.
Kim
It was really nice to get a comment from you. I would have to say without a doubt that it was when my OB agreed to take me in mid-pregnancy. My old OB had told me that my son was not going to make it and I just could not stay with her. It is against protocol to take a colleagues patient, but my doctor did it. And she nursed me through 7 months of a very touch and go pregnancy. I owe her the life of my son Tyler.
When the church family at Mac gave me a shower for Morgandy, although I had moved away and no longer attended, I was so touched. The generosity of the people who attend that church has always inspired and amazed me.
Lisa - this was an incredible idea. I love reading these and it is heartwarming to hear stories of people who have gone out of their way. I got chills reading RMJ account of her doctor.
Thanks again...
H
Thank you for the words of encouragement. Faith is the one thing keeping us on this road. Along with knowing that our daughter is waiting for us.
Darn I am a day late!! The greatest act of kindness for me was when my Family Group Friends swooped in and took care of us when Jeff was sick this summer. As you will recall I was so sleep deprived, I had no clue what I needed. I was so humbled by how they just knew. And, even more humbled when my precious friend Sally did my laundry for me.... And, for you my friend I can list several random acts of kindness you have done for me, including my favorite coffee mug sitting in my cupboard!
Love ya,
Di
you are very thoughtful to do this! I have enjoyed reading these as well.
sorry I didn't make it in time for the drawing... I don't know if I could have narrowed it down to just one choice... I've been so blessed!
Too late for the drawing, but I just wanted you to to know that YOUR acts of kindness toward me (random or not) always lift me up and encourage me. I am so blessed by your friendship and love, Lisa!
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