It is kindess that is so often remembered.
Not necessarily the grand gestures — although those are appreciated and valued and yes, even marveled at.
But the little kindnesses can often be just what is needed to get us through those terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad days.
The kindness of:
- a card that shows up in your mailbox at just the right time.
- an unexpected phone call on the day when you’re feeling so very alone.
- a stranger who motions for you to go ahead and take that parking space … or to go ahead of them in line at the grocery store.
- a spoken word of affirmation — something as simple as “good job” or “thank you” — that really translates as “I see you and appreciate you.”
- a hug
- a prayer — you know how we like to say, “I’m praying for you?” Yeah — really doing that.
- showing up at a friend’s with their favorite drink or treat “just because.”
And the greatest “little kindness” we can show one another? Just giving someone else the benefit of the doubt … assuming not the worst about them, but the best … being merciful rather than harsh.
In Your Words: When has someone been a little kinder than necessary to you?
[Tweet “In Others’ Words: More Kindness Than Necessary #inotherswords #lifequotes #kindness”] [Tweet “When has someone been a little kinder than necessary to you? #kindness #relationships”]
Comments 9
As I thought through your post, I realized a few people have gifted me with more kindness than necessary. One friend keeps checking up on me, knowing what’s going on in my life right now. Another friend speaks words of life when I need to hear them. Another friend invited me somewhere spur of the moment. I couldn’t join her, but it touched me on a heart level to know that she’d been thinking of me.
Now to pray about ways I can show more kindness than necessary to others. Great post.
Author
Spur of the moment kindnesses are often so meaningful, aren’t they, Jeanne?
These points all matter and make a difference. I know few people better at providing such niceties than you–and I thank God for your friendship. May every kindness be returned to you and multiplied.
Author
Dee:
Your words are woven through with kindness. I also know you travel and are often met with multitudes of kindnesses … and are the giver of kindness, too.
What a great reminder to keep our eyes out for those extra blessings God sends our way. One thing I always enjoy but hardly ever see is when a gentleman holds the door open for me when I’m running errands. It’s usually either someone my grandfather’s age or a young boy who’s being raised to have manners. It’s a very rare thing in my neck of the woods for someone around my age (late 20s, which I still find hard to believe) to show such chivalry. I know opening a door for a lady is old-fashioned and may not seem chivalrous to most, but I’m an old-fashioned gal and anything that reminds me of a cowboy is chivalrous to me. (Have I ever mentioned I’ve got a thing for cowboys? Well, now you know.)
Author
Your comment is a good reminder that kindess is modeled — taught, learned … thank you for the reminder.
One author I know, Beth Vogt, was very kind to me recently…she spoke words of affirmation to me when I needed it. As a writer, we spend so much time alone, and her kind words, insightful prayers were gifts to me to put me back on track. 🙂 Thank you Beth!
Author
Thank you, Kelly, for these kinds words. I’ve had other writers do the same for me … it is only right to do the same for others. I know the difference it can make as we journey the writing road together. 🙂
Through what’s starting to feel like my own personal action replay of Gethsemane, the kindness and prayers of the people I have met through writing and blogging has nothing, on some, nay, many days given me the strength to go on.