Kindnesses inspire grateful heart

While tackling the tedious chore of raking leaves last week a single quote came to mind which quickly snowballed into a flurry of favorable feelings.

The often repeated quote from Mother Teresa is profound - “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

Those inspirational words prompted a recollection of multitudes of kind acts shown to me and also served as a motivation to pass along how snippets of selfless giving can fill one’s heart with joy long after they’re said and done.

Years ago at a high school dance in a neighborhood distant from mine I was caught short at the till. Admission was more than I had on hand and panicked thoughts quickly crept in.

My ride was gone and the friend I was with had no change to spare.

Overhearing the dilemma and with a smile on her face a girl nearby handed me the needed amount with assurance that a payback wasn’t required.

Some may say the simple deed was fairly meaningless. But the fact that over several decades I have remembered this girl and her ready generosity confirms that it was not.

During the turbulent teen years another lesson reflecting the magnitude of small kindnesses was modeled to me by two teachers who quite simply and genuinely took the time to listen.

After long and often tough days instructing classrooms full of energetic girls, these women would put aside their own needs to pay attention to the joys and heartaches spilled out by those seeking the attention of caring adults.

Curious as to why they didn’t dismiss our often trivial meanderings I asked why they so willingly gave up their time to do this.

One of the lovely ladies gently explained “These things are important to you so they’re important to us as well.”

Not only have I remembered that kindness time and time again, but it has stayed with me and hopefully been emulated in beneficial ways for my own dear family and friends.

Another significant kindness took place a few years ago during a particularly heavy snowfall in early winter when our household was without a snow blower.

My husband and I had no choice but to slowly shovel the foot and a half of white stuff layer by layer, a strenuous and exhausting approach.

After clearing the loads of snow in his own driveway, one of our neighbors with sturdy snow blower in hand trekked over to ours and commenced to alleviate the plight with which we were faced.

When finished with his own property he could have easily turned around and gone back in to his house for a well-deserved rest and warm cup of cocoa.

Instead, he chose to follow the path of kindness.

To this day I have not forgotten nor taken his thoughtfulness for granted.

Pointing to the benefits of kindness is an article by Shailja Dutt titled “Random Acts of Kindness: why they are so important to our well being.”

Dutt states that “According to researchers at Cigna, acts of kindness affect the brain in a way that one feels a heightened sense of well-being and euphoria.

“Both the giver and the recipient feel happier. Physically, kind acts even help induce feelings of relaxation and calmness and may even reduce high blood pressure as well as increase energy levels.

“According to Dr. David R Hamilton, kindness not only makes us happier, but it also keeps our heart healthy and slows down aging.

“So smile more, hold doors for people, help someone struggling with their bags at the airport, get up and offer a seat in a bus/train to someone who looks like they need it more, pay the toll for the car behind you, offer tea to the cabbie waiting in the bitter cold to drive you to the airport on a winter morning, help walk someone’s dog…. Be kind on an impulse, don’t plan it!

“It’s guaranteed to bring a smile to two people’s faces!”

It is my hope that during this season of Thanksgiving people take the time to recall the many benevolences bestowed upon them, whisper a word of gratitude and perhaps perform their own small act of kindness.

Its reach may be appreciated and cherished more than you’ll ever know.

Jean Bonchak