Random acts of kindness, as an initiative, are often
confused with high profile - public acts that elicit a
gratifying response from others. It's actually quite the
contrary. True kindness comes from the simple, everyday
opportunity to do something for someone else without regard
for yourself. It is the mission of GiftOfKindness.
com to stimulate kindness as an everyday habit that
becomes a regular part of life. "Random Acts of Kindness"
promotes wonderful ideas but like most things, they tend to
come and go.
Consider a homeless shelter during the holidays... Most
days we may pass a homeless person on the street and think
little about him/her. We may step out of our car and see one
approaching and think "oh no, they're about to come ask me for
money," so we try and avoid them. But then a miraculous thing
happens. Thanksgiving and Christmas approach and many of us
find ourselves wanting to volunteer at a soup kitchen or the
local homeless shelter. Why is that? Why is it that we can
spend 363 days a year avoiding the people who need our
kindness, our love and our compassion but 2 "random" days a
year we feel we give back enough to make up for it? Is it that
we feel by stopping for a minute to talk with a homeless
person on the street that we're in danger? Are we that
concerned that by giving the person a dollar that they will
run out and buy a bottle of wine? Yes, probably but we should
also be encouraged to give more from ourselves and look beyond
what we may see on the surface. Why is this person homeless?
Did they loose someone close to them, maybe their entire
family? Are they suffering unimaginable mental pain and turn
to the bottle as a way to cope? Are they dealing with things
that you and I could never even fathom? Now, I'm not saying we
need to rush out and open our wallets to everyone who walks up
asking for a buck but I am saying to consider their
circumstances and instead of saving your kindness for 2 days
out of the year, let everyday be Thanksgiving and give the
gift of kindness to someone who needs it. Spend a few minutes,
I'm sure you can spare a couple, and ask them how they're
doing? Maybe even ask them what their name is. Show them a
little decency and respect as an individual. You'll be amazed
at the shock you see in their face and at their response.
So, as the holidays approach and the soup kitchens overflow
with volunteers... encourage yourself and encourage others to
make their efforts last 365 days a year. Try it and let us
know what happens.
