Kindness Is A Spiritual Act
Kindness Is A Spiritual Act by Karen Lea
Sometimes I cannot help but think how awful people can be by some of the choices they make. And there are other times when I think - how kind other people can be. People who are always trying to help and compromise with others spreading kindness and happiness wherever they go.
I had an Uncle who ran a small oil and heating service in a small town in Rhode Island. It was years ago when people knew their neighbor by name, spoke to them often, and was most of the time always kind. My Uncle was one of the kindest people and business owners I knew. I can bet if someone, who knew him was reading this article - they would know who I was talking about. Everyone knew him by his reputation and by his name, many times before you even mentioned it.
He never said no to a person who needed oil to keep warm but did not have the money to pay for delivery and many times he helped people with his heating services for little or no money. And while I am sure he was not perfect because no one is - he was also one of the happiest and most successful people I knew. I do not believe I ever saw him without a smile.
Uncle Jay was always a joy to be around and when he did something for you - you were not only appreciative of what he did but he left you with a feeling of warmth. A warmth that settled in your heart for weeks - and with no worry to pay him back because he never worked for money.
And while most people did pay him back - that feeling was something I would never forget because it was a feeling you could feel in your heart - not in your head.
I have been lucky enough to know many kind people. I had a sister who would give you the shirt off her back if she felt you needed it more than she did - and my other sister shared her baked goods - some of my cousins calling her the cookie lady. All people loved and adored both of them.
I have another friend who crochets little trinkets and gives them away. Maggie can make anyone’s day simply with her vibration of love. And when she mails you something she made or sends you a card - it is hard not to smile and even harder not to keep smiling every time you see those treasures hanging in your house.
Last but not least I have been blessed to have several kind people in my life. And while I wish I could list all of them, I will tell you this. Everyone has not only helped me in some way but they have and continue to always treat me like a valuable piece of gold.
My friend John used to take my car to have the oil changed when I was working full time, my friend Sheila taught me all about being in business and treated me like a friend rather than someone who worked for her. My best friend Jude who toils over my editing work, goes shopping for me, and listens to my bad days - never judging me. I never doubt if she cares about me despite some of our differences.
Besides those mentioned, I have also had many people, treat me sometimes better than I treat myself - contributing to my well being, sending greetings and supporting my endeavors no matter how crazy some of them may be. And it’s all because they are kind, considerate, and spiritual.
So just for today be kind to someone else, and take a second or two to think of someone who was kind to you. And don’t forget to also be kind to the person in the mirror!
Now tell me this - Are you smiling?