How can you be extra kind today?
BY JAMES BURNS*
The first time I spotted them, I did a double-take. How long had they been there? Why hadn’t I noticed them before? How did they end up there?
‘They’ were daffodils. Well, miniature ones and certainly not ‘a golden cloud’ – more like a clump of daffs on the grass verge of our housing estate. And then, as these things go, once I’d seen them, I started to notice them popping up elsewhere on the estate.
My curiosity was aroused as to how they got there. Who had planted them? It seems that a group of people who wanted to brighten our town got together to plant the bulbs in the autumn, ready for spring. They wanted to bring colour to the grass verges and some joy as well.
“Being kind is neither weak nor a new concept.”
As far as I’m concerned, they definitely succeeded, as just seeing them brightens my day. Who would have thought that such a simple, selfless act could bring so much joy to others? It’s even more commendable since we’ll never know who those people were that spent their time for the benefit of others.
However, the selfless actions of the volunteer gardeners resonate with the advice urging us to ‘be kind’, which is particularly relevant today in a world filled with so much anger and negativity. Much of this is expressed anonymously on social media, where it can seriously harm the recipient’s mental health.
Being kind is neither weak nor a new concept. While on earth, Jesus encouraged His listeners to “Love your neighbour as you love yourself” (Mark 12:31 NIV). It was so significant that Jesus referred to it as the second greatest commandment. And it remains good advice even today.
It isn’t always easy, but how can you ‘be kind’ today on Random Acts of Kindness Day? It will grow on you.
*James Burns is a Salvationist freelance writer from Dunstable Corps in the UK
Read more: Unresonable kindness: Message from the Chief
